President Emmerson Mnangagwa has commended Zimbabwean youth for their entrepreneurial drive and innovative contributions to various economic sectors, urging government ministries, departments, and agencies to implement programmes that help youth-led enterprises grow into major businesses.
He made the remarks during National Youth Day celebrations at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) in Bulawayo, held under the theme โEmpower Youth, Secure the Future.โ
The event attracted a large crowd, including young people, schoolchildren, and elderly citizens, many of whom were Zanu PF supporters.
Members of the Zanu PF Youth League were seen wearing T-shirts branded with the slogan: โResolution Number 1/2024 โ Unlocking the Power of the Youth Towards Vision 2030.โ
The phrase refers to a resolution passed at last yearโs Zanu PF National Peopleโs Conference advocating a constitutional amendment to extend Mnangagwaโs tenure.
Hall 4 at ZITF proved too small to accommodate the large turnout, forcing some attendees to follow proceedings from an overflow area or remain outside.
In his address, President Mnangagwa highlighted the governmentโs commitment to youth empowerment.
โI extend a special welcome to our young people and delegates from other countries. Your presence here is a testament to the unity and solidarity that defines us, the SADC region, and the African continent,โ he said.
He urged young people to uphold Zimbabweโs tradition of โunity, solidarity, and peaceful co-existence.โ
The event was also attended by representatives from South Africaโs African National Congress (ANC), Tanzaniaโs Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), Burundiโs CNDD-FDD, and Mozambiqueโs FRELIMO.
Mnangagwa reiterated the importance of harnessing youth potential to achieve Vision 2030, which seeks to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy.
โThis day is dedicated to recognising the potential of our young people. As leaders, we believe in you and will continue to harness your energy and zeal to help you achieve your aspirations,โ he said.
He added that his administration has deliberately placed young people in leadership and decision-making roles across ministries, departments, agencies, Parliament, and state-owned enterprises.
The president urged these young leaders to embrace servant leadership, discipline, and commitment to national development.
โAs the vanguard of our country, you must take the initiative to build partnerships and unite in advancing the objectives of our revolution and development goals,โ he said.
โStay vigilant and patriotic at all times. Defend the integrity and dignity of our country, its leadership, and its people.โ
Mnangagwa praised Zimbabwean youth for their entrepreneurial spirit, which he said was evident across various sectors of the economy.
โI commend our youth for their entrepreneurial culture. Ministries, departments, and agencies must develop programmes to help youth enterprises expand into large businesses,โ he said.
He also called on the private sector, the Youth Empowerment Bank, and development partners to create business linkages tailored to young people, including graduates from vocational training centres, the National Youth Service, and tertiary institutions.
The president urged the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development, and Vocational Training to fast-track the finalisation of the National Youth Act, describing it as a key legislative tool for youth empowerment and skills development.
โA nation that invests in its youth secures a prosperous future,โ he said.
While celebrating youth achievements, Mnangagwa expressed concern over rising drug and substance abuse among young people.
He declared zero tolerance on the issue, vowing to dismantle drug supply chains and prosecute those involved.
โIn the fight against drug and substance abuse, there are no sacred cows. Drug lords must be flushed out, and supply chains destroyed,โ he said.
He called on urban and rural communities to avoid harbouring criminals and urged them to work with law enforcement agencies to tackle the crisis.
โTogether, let us strive for a drug-free society. That is the Zimbabwe we all want,โ he said.
Throughout the event, Zanu PF supporters sang, โ2030 ndeya Emmerson 2030 Baba ,โ a slogan expressing their desire for Mnangagwa to remain in office until 2030.
Their enthusiasm peaked when Mnangagwa arrived and during his speech, with some chanting โED Pfeeโ in solidarity. However, the singing died down after he concluded his address.
โThe large, peaceful, and celebratory atmosphere at this gathering reflects our unity as a sovereign and independent people,โ Mnangagwa said.
