Lewis Tembo Herald Reporter
Preparations for the 21st February Movement celebrations are at an advanced stage with the fundraising committee raising a substantial amount for the event. The committee is targeting to

raise US$600 000 from the 10 provinces countrywide.
Chairman of the National Co-ordination Committee Cde Absolom Sikhosana yesterday said everything was on course.

Cde Sikhosana, who refused to disclose the amount raised so far, said those assigned mandates to carry out various tasks were working timeously.

“We have raised a substantial amount for the event. Everything is moving according to plan and it is our hope that we will meet our targets,” he said.

The celebrations, slated for Chipadze Stadium in Bindura on February 23, will be held under the theme “Youth for Indigenisation, Empowerment, Development and Employment Creation”.
Over 60 000 people are expected to attend the occasion this year.

The celebrations are held in honour of President Mugabe, who was born on February 21, 1924.
Cde Sikhosana, who is also Zanu-PF Secretary for Youth Affairs, said the celebrations would provide the youths with a platform to understand about leadership roles.

“Government recognises the importance of youths involvement in empowerment and indigenisation programmes.

“We will take the opportunity to assist youth understand the goings on of such programmes on a national level and sharpen the importance of labour in economic development,” he said.

Cde Sikhosana added that it was crucial that youth be conditioned for leadership and instilled with values of sacrifice, love and patriotism.

This year’s focus, he said, would be on raising consciousness among young people on the need to be proud of their identity.

“It is of concern that there are young people among our midst who celebrate foreign cultures, especially those of our former colonisers.

“They should, instead, embrace being Zimbabwean and commit to serving their people just like the patron (Cde Mugabe) does.”

Transport logistics are still being discussed and will be advised in due course whereas all other requisites are at an advanced stage.

“The people mandated to fundraise for the celebrations on behalf of the party were provided with identity cards to ensure accountability of donations received.”

He said donors were providing overwhelming support and called on others to be involved in the celebrations.

The business community was, however, urged to be on the lookout for unscrupulous characters claiming to represent the party with the intention of swindling unsuspecting businesses.

The 21st February Movement is the brainchild of Zanu-PF youths but encompasses all Zimbabwean youths regardless of their political affiliation.