Bulawayo, (New Ziana) – President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Friday urged youths to remain united, resist divisive forces, and work tirelessly for the nation with unwavering patriotism and loyalty.
He emphasized that the future of the region and Africa lies in their hands.
He was addressing thousands of youths gathered at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre (ZIEC) in Bulawayo for the National Youths Day Commemorations.
This year’s event, held under the theme “Empower Youth, Secure The Future”.
The day, proclaimed in 2017, celebrates the contributions of youth to the country’s development.
“I commend you for the consciousness you have of our rich history, as well as the future we are marching towards.
“I urge you to continue working hard for our great motherland, Zimbabwe, with unflinching patriotism and loyalty. Resist and reject machinations of those who would want to divide you, and divide the nation,” said President Mnangagwa.
President Mnangagwa applauded delegates from South Africa, Burundi, Mozambique, and Tanzania for attending the event, noting that their presence symbolises the unity and solidarity that define the region and the African continent.
“I extend a special welcome to you, our young people, as well as delegates from other countries. Your presence here is a testament of the unity and solidarity that defines us, the SADC region, and indeed the continent of Africa,” he said.
President Mnangagwa urged young people to guard jealously the long-standing tradition of unity, solidarity, and peaceful co-existence.
“The current development era equally demands that you constantly learn from each other, sharing knowledge and experiences for the betterment of your respective communities and countries.
“None but yourselves has that responsibility. The prosperity and future of our region and Africa is in your hands. We, the older generation, played our part to bring about independence, freedom, and peace.
“The ball is now in your court. You must deliver. In unity, the youth of Africa can do more for the realisation of the Africa we want and deserve,” said President Mnangagwa.
He highlighted that the massive turnout, peaceful atmosphere, and vibrant energy at the event reflected the collective unity and defining national character of Zimbabweans as an independent and sovereign people.
“In our diversity, from Plumtree to Mutare, Beitbridge to Chirundu, we are one. Sibanye. Tirivamwe. Ndafara, well done our Youth, Ngiyalibonga lonke ngoku-bambana, Ndinokutendai veChidiki mose nekubatana kwamakaita. Congratulations.
“I also commend you for the consciousness you have of our rich history, as well as the future we are marching towards,” said President Mnangagwa.
He noted that holding this year’s commemorations in Bulawayo aligns with his administration’s commitment to decentralizing national events.
“The Second Republic is walking the talk; we are leaving no one and no place behind.
“As we observe this special day, it is yet another opportunity to reflect on the critical role played by the youth of yester-year in laying a solid and unshakeable foundation for our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe.
“We also have a chance to chart and refine the journey we are taking for a brighter future, particularly the role of you, our young people,” he said.
President Mnangagwa urged youths to draw inspiration from the courage, selfless sacrifice, and bravery of the youths of yester-year who fought for independence.
“They took up arms against the oppressive colonial regime and brought us independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, freedom, and democracy.
“These historical milestones, including our rich liberation war heritage, are indispensable and must be safeguarded as well as passed down from one generation to the next,” he said.
He called on young people to display discipline, commitment, and hard work for the collective good of the country.
“I further call upon you, the young people of this great nation, to continue displaying utmost discipline, commitment, and hard, honest work for the collective good of our country.
“In doing so, you must be aware that the unity and peace we enjoy today is a fundamental inheritance of the liberation struggle. No one must jeopardize or endanger these critical national aspects,” said President Mnangagwa.
The President highlighted the Second Republic’s commitment to empowering young people through their inclusion in key leadership and decision-making positions across government ministries, departments, agencies, parliament, and boards of parastatals.
“In view of these achievements, I challenge the young people deployed in various leadership positions to continue displaying principles of servant leadership and discipline, while at the same time galvanizing the youth to fully participate in the socio-economic and cultural affairs of our country,” he said.
As the vanguard of the nation, President Mnangagwa urged youths to develop synergies, build partnerships, and create a united front to advance the country’s development goals.
“Stay vigilant and patriotic at all times. Defend the integrity and dignity of our country, its leadership, and its people. Stand firm, inculcate a culture of volunteerism and service among all the young people in our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe,” he said.
President Mnangagwa also launched the Zimbabwe Digital Skills Development Programme, implemented in collaboration with the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The initiative aims to train 1.5 million young people as software engineers, developers, and programmers, enhancing digital literacy and fostering economic growth.
“This will enhance the employability of our young people, while empowering the youth and fostering economic growth. Allow me to express our profound gratitude to the Government of the United Arab Emirates for supporting our national development thrust,” said President Mnangagwa.
New Ziana
