malvernmugadzikwa
Sunday Mail Reporter
ZIMBABWE is set to host young Pan-Africanists from across the continent this week for an event aimed at promoting discussions on the importance of preserving the African heritage.
The gathering will provide a platform for youths to exchange ideas on patriotism and the value of embracing Pan-African ideals.
Yesterday, the newly elected chairperson of the Africa Youth Congress, Cde Taurai Kandishaya, welcomed Emmanuel Akot — the 11-year-old president of Raise the Voice Africa from Uganda — at an event held in Harare. Akot, who was accompanied by his mentor Isaac Kamulenga, joined a group of young attendees from various schools in Harare. Additional delegations from Zambia and Botswana were expected to arrive later in the day. “This event is for Pan-Africanists, young and old,” said Cde Kandishaya.
“So, as the newly elected chairperson of the Africa Youth Congress, where I was elected recently in Uganda, I saw it fit to bring Pan-Africanism to the grassroots.
“You know, if you look at our elders, they started to have political knowledge when they were still young. So, patriotism is a software that needs to be installed in young persons from primary level.”
Cde Kandishaya said the inclusion of Akot was intended to motivate other youths.
“We have brought in Emmanuel Akot, an 11-year-old young person from Uganda, a Pan-Africanist with clarity when it comes to issues of Pan-Africanism, so that he motivates and awakens the spirits of his age-mates, as well as to encourage the elderly and other grown-ups to emulate what he is doing in terms of patriotism,” he said.
“Going forward, we are going to have these seminars at primary and secondary schools; host public lectures and invite people to come to Zimbabwe . . . those who can share knowledge and those that come to learn.
“I think we are the only country that had the guts to confront imperialism and claim back our land. And now, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has moved a step further to make sure that we securitise land.”
Chitepo School of Ideology principal Cde Ishmael Mada said the visit by the young Pan-Africanists would allow for cross-pollination of ideas and experiences.
“Allow me to thank Cde Kandishaya for nurturing and coordinating this landmark gathering of like-minded Pan-Africanist youths and scholars from across our mother continent, Africa,” he said.
“To the delegates, thank you for accepting this worthy invitation from Cde Kandishaya.
“As a budding young scholar with immense influence and following your contribution to Pan-Africanism is the launching pad for the emancipation of our beloved continent, Africa, which, although rich in resources, remains impoverished and underdeveloped because of the twin evils of slavery and colonisation. We have a duty to re-educate our people to identify and believe in themselves.”
The young Pan-Africanists will tour the country’s resort centres and farms during their stay. Tourism and Hospitality Industry Deputy Minister Tongai Mnangagwa also attended the event.
Online Reporter