Youth express discontent during National Youth Day
Providence Moyo
The recent National Youth Day celebrations, held under the theme “Positioning Youth Empowerment and Development towards Vision 2030,” were met with mixed reactions from young people across the country. While the day aimed to acknowledge the role of youth in national development, many expressed concerns about persisting challenges and a lack of concrete action.
Tsepang Nare, a youth from Bulawayo, voiced a common sentiment, highlighting the ongoing struggles faced by young Zimbabweans. “The challenges young people encounter remain prevalent,” he stated. “Limited access to developmental opportunities, inadequate skills development programs, and widespread substance abuse continue to impede our progress. We require tangible solutions, not merely symbolic celebrations.”
Nombulelo Ndlovu echoed this sentiment, questioning the celebratory nature of the event given the current realities. “This day should be a platform for young people to showcase their national pride,” she remarked. “However, the daily struggles for survival overshadow such sentiments. Low participation in these celebrations reflects the disillusionment felt by many young people, as their concerns often go unaddressed year after year.”
WeLead, a youth-led organization, issued a strong statement urging the government to address systemic barriers hindering youth participation. “The current commemorations occur amidst a backdrop of significant challenges faced by young people,” the statement read. “These include systematic marginalization in governance, negative narratives surrounding youth, political violence targeting youth leaders, weaponization of the judiciary, police brutality, and a deteriorating economic climate. These factors directly contradict the aspirations outlined in the National Youth Policy, the national constitution, and Africa’s Agenda 2063.” WeLead called for legislative reforms to align with the constitution and dismantle barriers to youth participation, such as lowering age restrictions for candidacy in public office. Additionally, they advocated for increased investment in youth-centered initiatives and the allocation of resources through youth-friendly budgeting practices.
The National Youth Development Trust (NYDT) emphasized the critical role of education and skills development in empowering young people to contribute to national development goals. “To effectively position youth empowerment and development towards Vision 2030,” the NYDT stated, “the government, private sector, and civil society must prioritize investment in education and skills development programs aligned with the needs of the economy. This necessitates expanding access to quality education, vocational training, and technical skills programs that equip young people with the necessary competencies for employment and entrepreneurship.”
While National Youth Day serves as a platform to acknowledge the potential of young Zimbabweans, the recent celebrations highlighted the need for concrete action. Addressing the concerns raised by young people and implementing tangible solutions are crucial steps towards realizing a future where they can actively contribute to the nation’s development and achieve the aspirations outlined in Vision 2030.
