Story by Kenias Chivuzhe
THE Government has strengthened its youth empowerment drive in Manicaland Province by handing over a consignment of agricultural machinery and implements, including tractors, planters, ploughs, discs, and trailers, a major boost to productivity and food security efforts.
The equipment was distributed under the government’s inclusive empowerment initiative, which seeks to increase youth participation in agriculture and contribute towards national economic growth.
For many beneficiaries, the support marks a turning point in their farming journeys and a clear demonstration of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s commitment to youth-led agricultural transformation.
“I am excited after receiving this tractor and farming implements. As a young woman, I am grateful that the President has remembered us. This donation comes after being given 10 hectares each as youths. This is a great day for me, and this is real empowerment that will transform our lives. We want to thank President Mnangagwa for empowering us.
“This will help fight drug and substance abuse and is an important step towards achieving Vision 2030. We once received cattle, and we are grateful for the support. This is what we call real empowerment, being spearheaded by our President. These tractors will improve our capacity to produce for the country,” said a beneficiary.
“I am very happy after receiving this tractor and equipment. As youths, we are happy that our country will record accelerated development through such support initiatives aimed at promoting food security,” Traditional Leader, Headman Tonderai Mandeya noted.
The local political leadership says the support is testimony to the able leadership of President Mnangagwa, who is championing the inclusive development agenda.
“We thank President Mnangagwa for fulfilling his promises that our youths should benefit from empowerment initiatives. These are not for free but are being given at relaxed rates to allow our young people to also take part in commercial farming. We would like to thank His Excellency because here in Manicaland, he gave young people ten hectares of land each through the Presidential Ten Hectares Scheme. The youths also benefited from a cattle scheme. Those with land can now make use of this machinery to be more productive,” ZANU PF Provincial Youth Chairperson, Honourable Stanley Sakupwanya said.
“This is one of the many programmes being spearheaded by President Mnangagwa in Manicaland. We are happy in Manicaland, as our youths have been empowered. President Mnangagwa walks the talk, as his empowerment promises to the youths are being fulfilled in many ways. Farming is the backbone of our economy. We are urging the youths to put this machinery to good use as a way of appreciating the support,” Manicaland Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza added.
Under the inclusive development agenda of the government, the youth have been identified as playing a key role in transforming the provincial and national economy.
