Harare, (New Ziana) – The Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development, and Vocational Training has announced that 2,123 young people undertook the Youth Service in Zimbabwe (YSZ) programme last year.
Launched in May 2024 by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the revised YSZ programme operates at centres in Midlands, Manicaland, and Matabeleland South. Since its reintroduction in 2022, enrolment has steadily grown.
This was said by the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development, and Vocational Training.
The six-month programme, targeting youths aged 18–35, including persons with disabilities, combines national orientation training with community attachment. Participants receive instruction in national history, civic education, entrepreneurship, disaster management, career guidance, and drug abuse awareness.
“After the launch of the revised programme on May 24, 2024, by President Mnangagwa at Nhakiwa Vocational Training Centre, training commenced at Dadaya and Vumba Youth Service in Zimbabwe Training Centres in Midlands and Manicaland Provinces respectively, with an initial enrolment of 1 156 youth from all provinces.
“In 2025, the aforesaid centres, as well as Guyu Youth Service in Zimbabwe Training Centre in Matabeleland South, trained a total of 2 123 youth,” the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training said.
Cabinet has elevated the programme’s status, making the YSZ certificate mandatory for entry into State higher education institutions, public service, and parastatals. Security sector ministries have also been directed to prioritise YSZ graduates for recruitment.
“Furthermore, on April 8, 2025, Cabinet directed all security sector Ministries, Departments and Agencies to prioritise suitably qualified Youth Service in Zimbabwe graduates for recruitment into Government employment,” the Ministry added.
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