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Fungai Lupande

Mash Central Bureau

As the country moves towards an upper middle-income status by 2030, ZANU-PF is ensuring that young people are taken on board by helping them to start self-help projects to uplift their standard of living. 

Shamva District Coordinating Committee (DCC) secretary for youth affairs Ryan Dokwani is making a difference in the community by ensuring that youths are engaged in developmental projects. He is also helping others to acquire driver’s licences and passports.

Dokwani is drilling 10 boreholes in Shamva North and South constituencies to enhance the implementation of nutritional gardens. 

“We have small pieces of land left by resettled farmers. So, we are encouraging youths to take up the land and venture into horticulture. That way, our youths will become productive and refrain from substance abuse,” he said.

Dokwani said it is easy to coordinate development when young people, who make up the bulk of the population, are empowered and earning a decent living.

Born and bred in Chihuri Village, Shamva North, the young man said giving back to the community does not only benefit others, but also boost his self-esteem. Encouraging other youths to look back where they come from, and give back to the community, he has taken the first group of 20 youths from the district to the Vehicle Inspection Department to get driver’s licences. 

Vision 2030, he said, is a long-term agenda for youths by President Mnangagwa, adding that he would take the opportunity to tell young people about the Second Republic’s milestone achievements. 

The district lost five youths to suicides since January this year. 

“It is worrisome that we lost five young people to suicides this year. These youth empowerment programmes will keep our youths occupied. 

“We have many unlicenced drivers. We will, therefore, help our youths in acquiring driver’s licences and obtaining passports. Dokwani said as a district, they were targeting 90 000 votes for the President in the forthcoming elections. 

“The 18-year-olds are first-time voters, and we are telling them about the rich history of our party. It is important for youths to know the history of our country and all the sacrifices made for us to enjoy freedom.