Government has reaffirmed its commitment to placing young people at the core of Zimbabwe’s national development strategy, reinforcing the Second Republic’s pledge to build an empowered and innovative generation. This message was delivered during the National Youth Day commemorations held at the Igava Training Centre in Marondera, Mashonaland East province.
Addressing thousands of enthusiastic youths, Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, Honourable Tino Machakaire, said the commemorations symbolise the Second Republic’s deliberate focus on empowering young people as key drivers of Vision 2030 and the country’s transformation into an upper middle-income economy. He stressed that young people are no longer passive beneficiaries of government programmes but active participants shaping Zimbabwe’s future.
“Our youth are no longer merely recipients of development programmes. They are partners in transformation, drivers of innovation and custodians of our national destiny,” Minister Machakaire said.
He emphasised that achieving upper middle-income status by 2030 requires placing young people in strategic sectors across the economy. He further reiterated government’s responsibility to create an enabling environment that nurtures young talent, protects youth interests and strengthens national values.
A major highlight of the event was the launch of the Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa Vocational Training Centre, a facility established to expand structured and sustainable youth empowerment initiatives under the Second Republic. Minister Machakaire hailed the centre as a key milestone and expressed hope that similar institutions would be rolled out nationwide.
The Minister also underscored the importance of identity, culture and history in shaping responsible and patriotic young citizens. He took a firm stance against drug and substance abuse, describing it as a growing national threat requiring coordinated awareness campaigns and targeted interventions.
“We are resolute in defending our youth against this threat and guiding them towards disciplined, healthy and peaceful lives,” he said.
He further commended the transformative impact of the Presidential Scholarship Programme and proposed the introduction of additional scholarships for local universities to widen access to higher education. He revealed that the Ministry is developing new policies and guidelines to enhance youth employment opportunities.
The commemorations attracted youth representatives from regional liberation movements, including the African National Congress Youth League, Chama Cha Mapinduzi, SWAPO, FRELIMO and MPLA, signalling strong continental solidarity.
As the event concluded, one message resonated clearly that Zimbabwe’s youth are ready to take their rightful place in building a prosperous, disciplined and empowered nation as the country accelerates towards Vision 2030.
