The Sunday Mail
Sunday Mail Reporter
YOUTHS must dream big, create wealth and seize opportunities which are available in the economy in order to play a central role in building a better Zimbabwe, as this represents the true meaning of Independence, President Mnangagwa has said.
His Excellency arrived in Bulawayo last night for the main 42nd Independence Day celebrations that will be held in Zimbabwe’s second-largest city for the first time in history.
In an Independence Day message in his weekly article for this publication, the President said youths must show resolve and write their own destiny.
“We are creating opportunities; your responsibility is to seize and act upon them so you deserve them in the first place, and so you translate them into real gains on the ground, going forward.
“There is space for you in agriculture and related value chains, in mining, in industry, in commerce and, more critically, in across-sector start-ups which Government is ready to finance,” he said.
Every Government ministry was directed to create a Youth Desk to galvanise them to take up available economic opportunities.
“Such a desk is not a favour to the youths; it is Government’s duty and responsibility to a stratum hardest hit by sanctions-induced unemployment. With the gradual upturn in our economy, your fortunes are set to take a turn for the better, thus enabling you to edge closer towards the heart of the national economy. We are developing solutions to the currency turbulence, and the consequent instabilities in the market. All our programmes on infrastructure, in mining and in revamping our industry, are aimed at creating employment opportunities especially for you. Equally, the vocational schools we are revamping and adding, are meant to equip you with skills that make you both employable and self-employing.”
Government, he said, has changed the education curriculum to ensure all tertiary institutions produce graduates equipped with problem-solving competencies.
Innovation hubs at all State universities have triggered extraordinary innovations expected to boost the economy.
“We are witnessing the birth of a generation of inventors and innovators like never seen before in our country, and arguably on the African continent. The book is becoming a ploughshare, indeed a trigger to a new spirit of ingenuity, inventiveness and an overriding spirit to problem-solve.
“Solutions are being generated through purposeful research and innovation. The agile youth mind is now firmly coupled to the National Agenda.”
Government has deliberately incorporated youths in different echelons of power, such as the Cabinet, while a youth quota is being pushed for in Parliament.
“In the Legislature, we are pushing for a youth quota, which you will soon get. In respect of land allocation, we are doing the same, all with a view to building an empowered generation of youths which gravitates towards the centre of national economic processes.”
He said Government’s call for resuscitation of old industrial plants and mines, and for greater import substitution in the economy, should create huge scope for innovative youth.
“Please dream big, gather courage to tease out new ideas; don’t fear to stumble on your way to your two feet as inventors and innovators.
“I pledge my commitment to compel Government to underwrite that whole innovative process, whatever reverses and false starts which might arise on the way to eventual success,” he said.
The President urged young people to shun drugs, adding that under his leadership no child of school-going age must be denied opportunities to enrol, learn and chase his or her dream.
Acting Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere confirmed that all was set for the historic celebrations.
Yesterday, the flame of Independence was lit at a ceremony at Khami Monuments.
The flame will be taken around the city today, while the traditional Children’s Party is pencilled in for today.
“We are ready to have these celebrations that are being held for the first time in Bulawayo, which is in line with
President Mnangagwa’s vision in terms of decentralisation and devolution of national State occasions. The importance of celebrating Independence was stressed by President Mnangagwa when he said no city has a monopoly of hosting national occasions.”
It is significant in that it unites the entire nation and leaves no place and no one behind,” said Dr Muswere.
The tour of the flame around the city will give an opportunity to everyone to be part of the celebrations.
“The programme has started with the lighting of the flame here at Khami, which is historical in nature as Khami Ruins represents the advancement and the civilisation which we had before imperialism. It also highlights the importance of arts and culture.”
Permanent Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Bulawayo Mr Paul Nyoni said transport to the venue of the celebrations has been set aside by the Government, with Bulawayo, the host province, having more buses, followed by Harare and the two Matabeleland provinces.
A number of diplomats seconded from different countries have confirmed their attendance.
Government has also extended an invitation to leaders of all political parties, including all former and current vice presidents, former deputy prime ministers, former and current ministers and deputy ministers to a reception at State House today.
They have also been invited to accompany the President at the VIP stand at Barbourfields Stadium.
According to a programme released by the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, apart from the Children’s Party, there will be a State reception that is strictly by invitation.
There will also be fireworks at midnight.
The fireworks venue is to be attended by ministers, the mayor and councillors.
The Independence Day’s main event will be held at Barbourfields Stadium, with the President set to give the main address, while a football match will be held between Highlanders and Dynamos (2pm) that the Head of State is expected to attend.
There will be an Independence music gala at the same venue from 6pm and will be open to all.
Bulawayo residents have expressed excitement at the hosting of the Uhuru celebrations in the city, saying the move represents a true spirit of unity and inclusivity.
