Harare, (New Ziana) – With less than two weeks before celebrations to mark National Youth Day, the Zimbabwe government says preparations for the festivities are progressing smoothly with the venue being spruced up, and a variety of activities having been lined up.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa is expected to preside over the commemorations, scheduled for 21 February at Igava Business Centre in Marondera, Mashonaland East province.
He is also expected to officially launch the construction of a Vocational and National Youth Service training centre on the same day, a development expected to bolster youth empowerment initiatives.
In line with the government devolution agenda, the commemorations are rotated across provinces, with Masvingo and Bulawayo having hosted the previous two editions.
In an interview with New Ziana on Tuesday, Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, Tino Machakaire said preparations had reached an advanced stage.
“We have youths working in construction and civil works for the event. Judging by the progress being made, everything will be in place by the date of the event. We are expecting thousands of youths from all provinces to be part of the celebrations in Mashonaland East,” he said.
He commended President Mnangagwa for supporting projects that empower young people, including the establishment of Youth Service Training Centres and Vocational Training Centres.
Machakaire said government programs are prioritizing youth empowerment and skills development to equip them with practical skills for self-sustenance.
“The National Youth Day event will provide a platform to assess progress made in initiatives that empower youths,” he said.
National Youth Day, officially known as Robert Gabriel Mugabe National Youth Day, is a public holiday in Zimbabwe observed annually on February 21st to recognize the significant role that young people have played in the history and development of the country
The day coincides with the birthday of former President Robert Mugabe, who was a pivotal figure in Zimbabwe’s liberation movement and served as the country’s first Prime Minister and later as President.
The 21st February Movement, established in 1986 by the ZANU-PF Youth League, originally celebrated former President Mugabe’s birthday while promoting youth empowerment.
Over the years, the focus of the day has shifted from solely commemorating former President Mugabe to emphasizing the importance of youth in shaping the future of the country.
New Ziana
