Staff Reporter

Government has issued a call to action for dependents of war veterans, urging them to enrol in the Youth Service in Zimbabwe (YSZ) training programme slated to begin in June 2024.

This initiative is part of a broader effort spearheaded by the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development, and Vocational Training to reintegrate and empower the children of the nation's liberators.

The Chief Director of War Veterans Affairs, Retired Major General Evaristo Dzihwema, highlighted the importance of this programme in a statement yesterday.

"Dependents of all categories of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle who are aged between 18 and 35 years are encouraged to enrol for the training programme," he stated.

Major (Rtd) General Dzihwema further advised prospective participants to seek detailed information about the programme by visiting the nearest provincial and district offices of the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development, and Vocational Training.

"They should approach the nearest provincial and district offices of the Ministry throughout the country, where they will get detailed information about the programme," he explained.

He also clarified the registration process for the applicants, noting, “During registration, the applicants should indicate that they are children or dependents of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle and submit their names to the nearest Ministry of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs provincial and district offices.”

According to the statement, the training programme is set to commence in June 2024, with sessions planned at Dadaya in Masvingo Province and Vumba in Manicaland Province. It is open to youths from all provinces across Zimbabwe, reinforcing the government’s commitment to national development through inclusive youth training.

Major (Rtd) General Dzihwema said that in support of this initiative, Provincial Field officers will be tasked with providing weekly statistics on the number of dependents who have registered.

This data will be relayed to the Director of War Veterans Affairs to ensure effective follow-up and address any challenges that might arise during the enrolment process.

Through this strategic engagement, Government aims to equip the younger generation with the skills and knowledge necessary to contribute positively to the country’s development, all while honouring the legacy of their forebears who fought for the nation's independence.