Take up challenge to develop Zim, youths urged
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has challenged young people, both in Zimbabwe and abroad, to shoulder the burden of developing their country, emulating their forebears who liberated it and driving the developmental agenda.
The President said this yesterday while addressing thousands of young people at Mushagashe Vocational Training Centre in Masvingo to mark the National Youth Day.
February 21 is a national holiday set aside for youths to interact with their leaders to ensure the rich national ethos and character that brought about freedom, democracy and independence, is passed to future generations.
It is also the birthday of the founding father of Zimbabwe, the late former President Robert Gabriel Mugabe.
Yesterday’s celebrations were held under the theme: “Positioning youth empowerment and development towards achieving Vision 2030”.
In his remarks, President Mnangagwa said youths should take pride in being Zimbabweans and embrace national development initiatives.
“Today, on one hand, we look back in honour of one of our founding fathers, the late former President and national hero, Cde Robert Gabriel Mugabe, as well as the many brave and fearless young people who sacrificed their youth and schooling to wage the protracted war of liberation.
“We must never ever forget their supreme sacrifices. On the other hand, we look forward to the future with great confidence, guided by our philosophy, ‘Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatirwa nevene vayo/Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhulekelwe ngabanikazi balo’.”
President Mnangagwa urged youths to remain vigilant and defend the country from its detractors.
“We are strengthened by the strides our nation continues to make. Even though sanctions were imposed on our country, we are marching forward.
“We remain a friend to all and an enemy of none. We are our own liberators. You, our Zimbabwean young people, no matter where you are in the country or around the world, know that you have the weighty responsibility to develop our country.
“The young people of yester-year played their part. You must play your part. The challenge is now yours,” said the President.
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