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Joseph Madzimure Senior Reporter
AFRICAN youth must unite and defend their territorial integrity against any form of aggression, especially from erstwhile colonisers, Zanu PF Acting Deputy Secretary for Youth Affairs Cde Tendai Chirau has said.
Cde Chirau was addressing youths drawn from 12 ruling parties in Africa who attended the 5th addition of the Imbonerakure Youth League of the Burundian ruling party, the National Council for the Defense of Democracy-Forces for the Defence of Democracy (CNDD-FDD).
Cde Chirau led the Zanu PF Youth League delegation to the conference held in Burundi last week.
In his address to the conference, he called for unity of purpose among the youth in Africa to keep the legacy of the African Union founding fathers.
Cde Chirau urged the youth to be wary of attempts by some western countries that are hard at work trying to effect regime change on the continent.
“We are aware that those who once colonised us would always say bad things about Africa,” he said. “We are Africans and those who colonise us cannot teach us about democracy.
“We choose leaders for us. Leaders of our own. These are our own leaders, we don’t care what happens in their own countries. They have their own level of democracy, that is their own. They denied us democracy during colonialism. They cannot teach us democracy today. We are the Africans, so we are happy that we are the masters of our own destiny.”
Cde Chirau called upon the youth to work together towards the development of Africa.
“Our role is to make sure that we work together for the development of Africa,” he said. “We work together for the good of our motherland. Let us not be divided by the geographical boarders that were imposed on us by the former colonisers. We are one.”
In Zimbabwe, Cde Chirau said, President Mnangagwa was emphasising that Zimbabwe is open for business.
“Africa must work together,” he said. “Let’s trade among each other for the betterment of the continent.”
Cde Chirau was accompanied to the conference by Zanu PF Youth League Secretary for Finance Cde Getrude Mutandi, Secretary for External Affairs Cde Sibongile Sibanda and director for Youth Affairs Cde Blessed Ziome.
The Zanu PF Youth League members also met Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye, who is also the leader of CNDD-FDD political party.
The Imbonerakure Youth League conference was for the youth wings of the ruling parties in Africa to share notes and exchange ideas.
It was held under the theme “Together for a radiant, prosperous and hopeful Africa” from the 24th to the 28th of August 2021.
More than 50 000 delegates attended the meeting, including CNDD-FDD party members.
Online Reporter