30 000 youths head for Masvingo

YOUTH Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, Tinotenda Machakaire, says they expect to host at least 30 000 youths in Masvingo today to celebrate Youth Day, a day which coincides with the late former President Robert Mugabe's birthday.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared November 21 National Youth Day, making it a public holiday.

Mugabe was born on February 21, 1924 and passed away on September 6, 2019 in Singapore aged 95. When Mugabe was still alive the day was called the 21st February Movement and was characterised by extravagant celebrations during which thousands of dollars were spent.

“As a way to embrace the devolution mantra, the national event is expected to be attended by more than 30 000 young people drawn from all the 10 provinces of our country,” Machakaire said during a Press conference on Monday.

“The main purpose of these celebrations is to bring together the government and young people to engage in the potential of youth to participate in the economy and accelerate the achievement of Vision 2030.

“The national event will maintain the principles of effective youth participation and all-inclusive participation of young people and again leaving no place and no one behind.”

This year's celebrations will run under the theme Positioning youth empowerment and development towards achieving vision 2030.

Last year's celebrations were hosted in Matabeleland North.

The celebrations help us fulfil our quest to have an informed and empowered youth.

“They improve social cohesion and socio-economic participation of youths,” Machakaire added.

Meanwhile, the ministry hosted a business forum yesterday as a buildup to the commemorations.

The forum was attended by 250 young business entrepreneurs from across all economic sectors.