The Sunday Mail
DEPUTY Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation, Cde Tino Machakaire (TM) was, in December last year, appointed Secretary for Youth Affairs in the ruling ZANU PF Politburo. The Youth League is the vanguard of the party, whose mandate is to ensure that the membership, particularly the youths, are constantly conscientised and mobilised to guarantee perpetual preservation and perpetuation of the party’s founding ideals and ethos. Zimpapers Group Political Editor RANGA MATAIRE (RM) recently had a conversation with the Youth League boss on various issues pertaining to the upcoming Independence Day commemorations and the harmonised national elections.
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RM: Zimbabwe will soon be commemorating 43 years of independence and, for the first time, the celebrations are taking place in Mt Darwin, Mashonaland Central. What is the significance of devolving national events into provinces?
TM: The devolution of national events into provinces is indispensable in the nation of Zimbabwe. A major goal of this social policy is to instil in every Zimbabwean citizen a sense of purpose and belonging. Events must be devolved into each province in the same way the map of Zimbabwe is divided into provinces, with each province representing a portion of Zimbabwe’s beauty. This ensures that the principle of national participation and inclusivity of every dialect and place is not overlooked.
The mantra “leave no one and no place behind”, as espoused by his Excellency, President Mnangagwa, is operating in all aspects of the nation, leaving no stone unturned — be it social, economic or political. Devolving national events is, thus, a fulfilment of this mantra. This contributes to the preservation of national unity amongst the people of Zimbabwe, with everyone eager to be responsible and make a difference in their country, knowing that they matter.
RM: The Mt Darwin area, particularly Altena Farm in Centenary, is where the liberation struggle was effectively ignited when combatants hit the farm on November 21, 1972. Do you think a lot of young people are aware of the significance of this attack and what should be done to ensure the place is immortalised?
TM: The history of Altena Farm and the Rukogo Mountain is well known among those who understand the significance of their history. However, some young people are unaware of their history, which is why the people’s Government has decided to honour the selfless efforts of our compatriots, who fought the minority white colonial regime until its defeat in 1980.
The first step towards immortalising Altena Farm’s battle history is to include it on the calendar of events for this year as an independence ceremonial site. I am sure Government is doing a lot right now. The people of Zimbabwe should be ready to consume knowledge of battles like these. The Altena Battle is significantly known for being a signal, where our fathers and mothers were notifying the Rhodesian soldiers of their readiness to fight the war of liberation.
RM: Forty-three years of independence is quite a long time for a nation. What areas of development do you think are worth celebrating?
TM: Those who cannot see were made to feel. Under the capable leadership of His Excellency, President Mnangagwa, the Government of Zimbabwe has made a plethora of achievements that we have all witnessed. The first port of call by the New Dispensation was to put in place effective and measurable polices such as the Transitional Stabilisation Programme (TSP), followed by the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS 1).
I would like to acknowledge the massive improvement of highways and infrastructure development, notwithstanding the highly standardised education system that is compatible enough to be amongst the best systems in Africa.
The energy sector also forms the bedrock of the economy, with the historic synchronisation of Hwange Unit 7 Power Station to the national grid being a major achievement as the country marches towards the attainment of Vision 2030.
The agriculture sector has this time around broken unprecedented records, particularly in maize and wheat production. The implementation of the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme and modernisation of the sector has seen the country having a record of 380 000 tonnes of wheat.
In the mining sector, we have seen Zimbabwe being the largest lithium supplier, as the nation targets a US$12 billion mining industry. The much-anticipated assumption of the chairmanship of the African Diamond Producers Association (ADPA) Committee of Experts and Council of Ministers bears clear testimony of how our leadership is determined to strategically position Zimbabwe in the regional and global mining economy.
The tourism sector continues to grow, with Zimbabwe being nominated for the Destination of the Year accolade for Natural Beauty during the world’s biggest travel and trade fair, the Pacific Writers of Travel Association (PATWA) International Travel Awards, held in Berlin recently.
The International Reintegration Policy is something worth commending. The massive improvement in all aspects of the economy is commendable as well.
Having a peaceful and independent Zimbabwe informed by “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo/Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo” is the best philosophical tonic that inspires us all.
RM: What is your comment on some youths and Zimbabweans who tend to valorise the last Rhodesian ruler, Ian Smith, as a good leader?
TM: The Smith regime did nothing for the welfare of Zimbabweans. In fact, it was the evilest period we have ever known as Zimbabweans.
I am fairly certain that the youths who adore him have no idea how our fathers and mothers endured the most difficult administration of Ian Douglas Smith’s racial regime.
This is a sensitive subject, and it pains us to learn that there are still some young people who idolise a man who abused the black majority.
Youths should learn about our history so that they do not praise what they do not know. In our colossal revolutionary party, we say “vasingazive ngavadzidziswe”.
The Smith regime treated black people as inferior beings.
They were considered third-class citizens, who lived in barren lands and were not permitted to live in towns or have white-collar jobs.
We need to do more as the Government in ensuring that it becomes mandatory for every pupil or student to learn about our history,
particularly our valiant struggle for independence.
RM: In a few months, the country is to hold harmonised elections. What is your message to youths about the holding of this democratic exercise meant to elect new leaders for the next five years?
TM: I urge the people of Zimbabwe to be resilient and practise a violent-free election in all processes.
Zimbabwe is a democratic country and elections are normal to us as we promote that democratic tradition.
I urge all young people to desist from social ills such as violent activities and taking drugs and other illicit substances.
We are all Zimbabweans; we are one people.
RM: Several young people have expressed interest in representing ZANU PF in either local Government or parliamentary elections. What can you attribute to this enthusiasm by young people to participate in mainstream politics?
TM: We are overwhelmed by young people’s eagerness to participate in mainstream politics. The overwhelming enthusiasm demonstrates that democracy is thriving in Zimbabwe. Political participation and inclusiveness demonstrate the openness of politics, as we are now regarded as equal to our elders.
The young people’s response to the call demonstrates that they are now responsible citizens. This generational blending policy by the Second Republic to increase women and youth participation is a good one that will aid in preventing the relay button from being passed on to quislings.
