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Joseph Madzimure Senior Reporter
Zanu-PF Secretary for Youth Affairs Cde Pupurai Togarepi has urged youth to participate in Anti-Sanctions Day activities as a way of safeguarding the country from imperialist forces.

The call comes after SADC countries declared October 25 as a solidarity day against illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe and resolved to conduct various activities in their respective countries on the day to resoundingly call for the immediate removal of the sanctions.

In an interview, Cde Togarepi said the youths were the vanguard of the country, hence the need to educate them on defending the country’s sovereignty through calling for the immediate removal of illegal sanctions.

“Zimbabwean youths should come out in large numbers to protest against illegal sanctions which have crippled the country’s economy.

“It’s high time the youths understood that sanctions have blocked lines of credit critical in financing production and the acquisition of the latest machines to open employment avenues for them,” said Cde Togarepi.

In addition, Cde Togarepi said sanctions had decimated the economy, especially the manufacturing sector, which is now contending with antiquated equipment, resulting in high costs of production and consequently high prices of finished goods.

As a build-up to the Anti-Sanctions Day, Cde Togarepi said a number of activities were lined up countrywide to educate the youths on the effects of sanctions on the country’s political, social and economic fabric.

“The Youth League is educating students at tertiary institutions and secondary schools and conducting awareness campaigns on the effects of illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by the country’s detractors to ensure people revolt against the Government.

“Imperialist forces use different tactics to ensure people revolt against the ruling party which forms the Government. We are aware of the imperialists who are using eccentric ways to destabilise peace which exists in the country,” he added.

He said they were yet to get the greenlight from the party and Government on the anti-sanctions assembly points.

“We are preparing for the big day. We are just waiting for the venue to be announced.

“We are going to be advised by the party leadership on whether we will be coming to Harare or take part at our respective provinces.

“Last time we were told that it was going to be held at the National Sports Stadium in Harare. So we are waiting for clarification from the responsible authorities who are organising the event.

“This is an important event to us as youths. We want sanctions to be removed as they are affecting each and every one of us.

“We are grateful for the support that other African countries have shown us.

“We hope the day is going to be a success. We are mobilising youths from all the country’s 10 provinces to call for the removal of sanctions regardless of one’s political affiliations. If you love your country you will support this cause,” said Cde Togarepi.