The ManicaPost
Lovemore Kadzura
Post Correspondent
THE hard won independence of Zimbabwe is guaranteed to last forever as youths in Manicaland have vowed to take a principled stance and jealously guard the gains of the liberation struggle.
The youths have vowed to be the vanguard of the hard won freedom through patriotism, hard and honest work as well as putting national interests ahead of anything else.
As the nation marks 44 years of self-rule and determination, youths in the province are promising to stand by their motherland through thick-and-thin.
They also acknowledged the various initiatives by Government to uplift the lifestyles and standard of living of the generality of the population.
Government has availed several programmes that economically and socially empower youths and women, some of whom are now actively participating in the mainstream economy.
In a bid to involve youths into leadership positions, Government last year created 10 youth quota posts in the National House of Assembly where the concerns and aspirations of youths are now being voiced.
ZANU PF Manicaland provincial youth chairman, Cde Stanley Sakupwanya said the gains of the revolutionary struggle that came through the barrel of guns are safe and secure, as youths are fully cognisant of, and are behind the efforts by Government to empower them.
Cde Sakupwanya, who is also represents the Manicaland youth quota slot in Parliament, said the empowerment drive has promoted a sense of belonging and recognition in the youth, resultantly shaping their mindsets into progressive citizenry.
“As the nation attains 44 years of independence, we look back at the growth we have achieved since. Growth comes in phases, and for us as a nation that has been evident. Pre-independence the objective was freedom, and it took youths of that time to achieve the independence we are celebrating today. The next phase was unity to ensure that despite our differences in culture, tribes or religion, our then young democracy would not be deterred by conflict or at least make us vulnerable to the divide-and-rule tactics used by colonialists across Africa.
“To say Zimbabwe belongs to us, means we must have ownership, and to this effect land reform programme restored ownership to the indigenous Zimbabwean. As much as this was focused on agricultural land, the extended benefit of land ownership led to ownership of the economy as well. Our dreams had a ceiling prior to land reform that was in the form of a suit and title for a company owned by some white person.
“Now our youths can dare to dream. We have understood the value of our resources be it the land, minerals or economy, and that is true success story that started 44 years ago. To protect this great historical journey is to add onto it. In that sense, the agenda we are faced with is an economic one, and this therefore brings the immense relevance of Vision 20230.
“Leading us during this 44th anniversary and crucial phase is President Mnangagwa, who has ushered in a new wave of progressive thinking among youths that we have to build our country ourselves and by our standards.
Cde Nyika
In his speech during the 21st February National Youth Day, President Mnangagwa raised a pertinent question, stating that together with other stalwarts of our liberation their legacy was to liberate the country and leave its people in charge of land and resources.
What therefore shall we say about the youth of today?
What legacy is our legacy as the youth of today?
“The youths of yesteryear fought for our freedom and put us on this path of prosperity, and now it is time to protect this legacy by keeping Zimbabwe on the growth trajectory. Our ability to attain this will determine how history will judge us as youths of today. Our fathers and mothers fought for our independence, won it, and it is our duty to jealously defend it,” said Cde Sakupwanya.
Zanu PF Makoni District secretary for lands, Cde Shepard Nyika said the recognition and appreciation of the country’s vibrant youth demographic is beyond rhetoric.
He said youths are important partners to strengthen solidarity and cohesion of the nation as they can initiate and lead projects that promote economic cooperation, entrepreneurship and innovation.
Cde Nyika applauded Government’s efforts to facilitate meaningful participation of youths in all facets of the economy and changing the predominantly negative and false narrative that youth is synonymous with trouble.
He said by establishing networks, partnerships and collaborations, young people can create opportunities for economic growth, development and empowerment across the country, while their involvement in politics is crucial for driving Pan-Africanism forward.
Cde Nyika said the relevance of history today gives youths a deeper understanding of how the liberation leaders worked together as one beyond the divisions of national boundaries to liberate Africa.
“As we celebrate our independence, we must collectively work to transform our economy and liberate our people from the bondage of poverty. We must all commit to Vision 2023 of having an upper middle class economy that will ensure economic wellbeing, improvement of the standard of living and quality of life.
“Everyone has a part in this journey toward economic emancipation. The future of our country lies on youths. We want to thank Government for opening the window for youths to run for political offices because it is the young men and women of today who will grow into the men and women of tomorrow; and on them lies the responsibility of steering the affairs of the State. It is also the duty of youths to participate fully in the efforts of national development in whatever capacity,” said Cde Nyika.
Youthful Rusape-based, Cde Joseph Mugomba said Government programmes like the Empower Bank, free inputs schemes and education, among others have played an important role to uplift the lives of youths.
Cde Mugomba said youths who have ventured in enterprises like farming and mining are leading decent lives on top of creating employment for others.
“As our forefathers tirelessly fought for our political independence in the Old Dispensation, the New Dispensation has brought new ideas that emancipate the younger generation. As youths, we are now accessing loans through Empower Bank with relaxed demands which are tailormade to cater for us.
“We are very proud of defending the revolution as we are happy that Government and the ruling party will bridge the gap between revolutionary fighters and the upcoming generation as evidenced by the inclusion of youths in positions of power and authority.
“The re-introduction of National Youth Service is also an important aspect that will educate the young generation to be patriotic. A number of youths are doing very well in agriculture and mining, thanks to the empowerment drive by Government,” he said.
