Bulawayo, (New Ziana) — Government departments and stakeholders should adopt innovative, inclusive and sustainable initiatives to youth empowerment in order to create lasting impact and opportunities for young people in the country, an official has said.
Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Kudakwashe Mupamhanga said this on Tuesday while addressing government officials and stakeholders attending his Ministry`s strategic planning workshop.
“The process must go beyond training to create lasting impact and opportunities for young people,” he said.
He said youth empowerment was not an event, but a continuous process that demands close follow-up, collaboration and commitment across Ministries, the private sector, and development partners.
“We must not only empower them with skills and knowledge, but also provide the support they require, because we are investing in the future of the country,” he said.
Mupamhanga also highlighted that the diversity of the youth across regions, backgrounds, and economic realities in the country demands context-specific programs.
“We have listened to young people’s needs. That’s how we came up with the empowerment strategy, and we understand their challenges. So, we need to tailor-make our programs to fit their unique circumstances,” he explained.
He also implored his Ministry officials to innovate around budgetary constraints by building partnerships and leveraging synergies with other Ministries and the private sector.
Mupamhanga emphasized the need to expedite youth-related Bills to Parliament, saying the legislative framework would solidify youth empowerment initiatives and safeguard their sustainability.
“Part of our work must be enshrined in the law, as envisioned by our President. This legal framework will not only protect our initiatives but also provide a solid foundation for sustainable youth development. The President himself has shown immense support for our Ministry,” he said.
He also expressed concern over the limited follow-up and support for Junior Parliament members, calling for meaningful engagement beyond ceremonial sessions.
“For too long, we have treated Junior Parliament as an event. These are potential future leaders. We need to have follow-up and follow-through. If we lack resources, we must partner with those who have capacity,” he said.
Mupamhanga also urged the Ministry to align its work with resolutions from the ZANU-PF Annual Conference, which he said are central to national youth development objectives.
New Ziana
