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Desire Munyanyi-Correspondent

Across generations, youths are considered leaders of tomorrow. 

However, the clear view is that youths are not the leaders of tomorrow, but they are today’s leaders.

Therefore, today’s youths must take heed of the immortal words of John F. Kennedy, whose philosophy was that one should not ask what the government does for them, but what one can do for their government.

In Zimbabwe today, there is so much excitement about many youths venturing into different enterprises, which will not only help create employment for them, but they are also playing a big role towards economic development and towards the achievement of national Vision 2030.

The economic landscape is changing globally, not just for Zimbabwe. 

Challenges ranging from poverty and unemployment are not only affecting Zimbabwe alone, but even the biggest economies across the world.

Gone are the days when we would sit back, relax and expect the Government to provide jobs for us.

We must use our might, skills, education and experience to create the economic environment that we deserve, and that we want to see.

Young people are the backbone of the country’s economic development. 

Even though there may be many reasons and excuses impeding and frustrating their entrepreneurial spirit, youths must be conscious to do their best with whatever may be at their disposal for the prosperity of Zimbabwe. 

This country is our heritage, which is also our legacy to our children and generations to come.

Somebody once said, “It’s okay to be born poor, but it is your fault if you die poor.”

Yes, there may be challenges facing us as a nation, but it will be us to blame if we are to leave a legacy of trials to future generations. As young people, we must be up to the task in solving whatever problems that we may face. 

As the situation stands, youths seem to be good at identifying problems and blaming the Government.

Pointing fingers at whoever we deem to be behind our challenges will not make them disappear. 

Young people need to be creative, initiative and proactive in coming up with solutions to the difficulties that surround us.

Each and every challenge that we are facing today represents an opportunity for the entrepreneur that resides in all of us.

Regardless of the economic upheavals that our country is facing, it is interesting to note that many young Zimbabweans are venturing into various forms of enterprise; from fashion and farming to tourism.

These are the youths who have come to the realisation that the destiny of this country is in their hands, and that nothing will happen unless they take the initiative.

As the youths, we must rise up and make our voices be heard through the channels that the Government has put in place.

The Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation is specifically there for the youths.

Hence, young people must exploit that route in order for them to achieve what they aim for. 

We must always be conscious of the struggle for liberation that our forefathers, brothers and sisters endured, so that this country could be free.

Their struggles and sacrifices must not be in vain.

For that to happen, we must work as hard as possible towards the economic development of our great nation. We are, indeed, the captains of souls and the masters of our destiny.

Zimbabwe is such a beautiful and blessed country, but for that beauty to manifest and be seen, you and I must work to bring that beauty out.

We must play an active role as youths in the economic and social development of our country.

As we step into Youth Enterprise, we must try to do everything by the book. You must register your companies with the Government as required by regulations, and be professional always in delivering goods and services.

The thinking that only big companies can provide such a level of service or quality should be shunned.

The customer remains the king, so to make it in business, and keep your market share, even against competitors who might have been in business longer than you, you should offer a much more competitive product.

As Zimbabweans, this is the time we must take the Buy Zimbabwe initiative seriously.

Traditionally, as a nation, we are net importers, but that has to change. We must support local brands that are being made by our own brothers and sisters. 

Let’s make and buy our own products for our economy to grow.

Yes, together we can!