By Ashley Ndlovu
At Waterford shopping centre, in Bulawayo, the scene is the same every day. Young men and women sit idly, chatting, drinking, or staring into the distance. As the sun rises and sets, their circumstances remain unchanged. They are not here by choiceโthey simply have nowhere else to go.
Unemployment in the country has reached crisis levels, leaving many without work or opportunities. Once supported by small businesses and informal trade, the local economy has crumbled under Zimbabweโs broader economic struggles. As industries close and job prospects shrink, young people are left without income, direction, or hope.
The impact is stark. With no employment, many turn to alcohol to numb their frustrations. Others battle stress and depression, weighed down by uncertainty. Some resort to petty crime or harass passersbyโnot out of malice, but desperation.
For the elderly, the situation is equally bleak. Many once held stable jobs but were forced into early retirement or retrenchment. Now, they too sit at the shops, watching their hopes for a secure future fade. Some had planned to provide for their children; instead, they struggle to survive.
To understand the depth of the crisis, I spoke to three young people who spend their days at the shopping centre. Their words reflect the frustration of a generation.
โAll we need is workโsomething to keep us occupied, to give us a reason to wake up in the morning,โ says Zibusiso Moyo, his voice heavy with resignation.
Vanessa Moyo echoes his concerns. โPeople see us sitting here and think we are lazy, but where are the jobs? Even those with degrees are at home with nothing to do. So what about us?โ
Another young man speaks of family pressure. โOur parents expect us to help, but how can we when we donโt even have money for ourselves? Every day, you wake up and just waitโfor a miracle, for something to change.โ
Waterfordโs crisis is not unique. Across Zimbabwe, millions face the same challenge. The countryโs unemployment rate remains high, while formal job opportunities dwindle. The informal sector, once a lifeline, is also failing as rising costs and economic instability take their toll.
Experts warn that without investment in job creation, the youth crisis will deepen. Entrepreneurship programmes, vocational training, and government-led employment initiatives could provide solutions, but for many, they remain out of reach.
As unemployment worsens, so do its social consequences. Mental health issues such as anxiety and depression are rising among jobless youths. Substance abuse and crime are increasing as frustration turns into desperation.
Without urgent intervention, Waterford will remain a place where the young and old gather at the shopsโnot because they want to, but because they have no other choice.
This story was produced as part of the CITE Youth Hub training program, which aims to empower young women with digital skills, enhancing their ability to create and share community news.
