A total of 407 youths graduated under the Tonganyika Trust Phase 3 vocational training programme in Plumtree, raising the cumulative number of beneficiaries to 1 047, as the initiative continues to expand youth skills development and entrepreneurship.
The graduates completed various vocational and entrepreneurial courses designed to promote self-reliance, employment creation and economic participation.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, ZANU PF Matabeleland South Women’s League Chairperson, Sindisiwe Nleya, challenged the graduates to utilise their newly acquired skills to create sustainable livelihoods.
She said vocational training should serve as a foundation for entrepreneurship and innovation rather than dependency.
“We encourage young people to embrace entrepreneurship and innovation and utilise their newly acquired skills to create employment for themselves and others,” said Nleya.
She commended the programme for contributing to youth empowerment and expressed confidence that the graduates would play a meaningful role in local economic development.
“This programme is making a real difference in empowering our young people, and I am confident that these graduates will go on to play a meaningful role in driving local economic development through the skills they have acquired,” she said.
Assistant District Development Coordinator for Mangwe District, Lesley Chibharo, said sustainable youth empowerment required coordinated efforts from Government, training institutions and the private sector.
“A whole-of-government approach will ensure that graduates are not only trained but also linked to real economic opportunities, internships and business support systems,” he said.
Tonganyika Trust representative, Albert Bonde applauded the collaboration between Government departments, political leadership and the business community in supporting the programme.
A highlight of the ceremony was the exhibition of products and services by graduates.
Participants from the Hotel and Catering course provided catering services during the event, while graduates from the detergents and manufacturing programme showcased products developed during training.
The initiative has already begun yielding positive results, with graduates from previous cohorts securing employment and establishing businesses in areas such as welding, cosmetics, detergents and catering.
The programme is part of broader efforts to enhance youth skills development and contribute towards Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 agenda through enterprise creation and economic empowerment.
