Staff Reporter

Unathi Nyoni, the former Child President, has commended President Emmerson Mnangagwa for empowering youths in the country through various Government initiatives.

Addressing youths and Government officials at the occasion of the National Youth Day, at Mushagashe vocational training center in Masvingo, the former Child President applauded Government for prioritizing youths in empowerment and developmental initiatives.

“I want to start with passing a message of gratitude to you and your Government from the young people gathered here. This is for recognizing the important role that young people are playing, must play, in national discourse and for taking necessary, deliberate and decisive steps to ensure that they are in positions of authority and are playing that critical role.

“The number of young people in Parliament, where our laws are made, increased from a mere 3% to 13% in the recently held elections and significantly to above 30% in Cabinet following the Electoral Amendment Act of 2022. I have been following with keen interest debates in Parliament and I do not doubt that young people now have, and are making use of, that proverbial seat at the table where life changing decisions are made. Parliament is not the only place where the number of youth has increased but in important institutions like commissions and boards as well.       This is important and reflects a new, refreshing and promising trajectory,” said Unathi Nyoni.

Additionally, Nyoni urged youths to shun away from drugs and substance abuse to focus on developing the economy in line with Vision 2030.

“As I draw to conclude my presentation I must assure you that as youth entrusted with a bright looking future we will play our part. The fight against drug and substance abuse must be championed by us. Only us, have the power to say no. Annually, more than 300 000 young people leave the education system to enter the broad economy. As we reflect on this day we must answer to the question, what can we as youth do for our country? While we may look to Government for leadership we are committed to putting our shoulder to the wheel and move the economy forward and towards achieving vision 2030,” said Nyoni.

Meanwhile, President Emmeraon Mnangagwa was the guest of honour at the National Youth Day commemorations, today in Masvingo, which was the first interaction with youths after the 2023 harmonized elections. The celebrations are a testament to the Government’s commitment to investing in this vibrant demographic group of youths in line with Vision 2030.