Story by Oleen Ndori
GOVERNMENT is set to launch the National Youth Service Programme in Mashonaland East Province this Friday as part of efforts to inculcate national values in young people.
In a Post Cabinet Media Briefing in Harare this Tuesday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere said the programme is meant to inculcate values of Ubuntu/Unhu, patriotism and leadership in the country’s youthful population.
“The Launch of the Youth Service in Zimbabwe Programme will take place at Nhakiwa Vocational Training Centre in the Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe District of Mashonaland East Province on 24 May, 2024. Running under the theme, “Empower Youth: Secure the Future”, the event will be graced by His Excellency the President, Cde. Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa who will deliver the Keynote Address as well as launch the Youth Service in Zimbabwe Programme. The Youth Service in Zimbabwe Programme will help mold the young people into patriotic citizens and hence able leaders. It is a Programme that should be embraced and supported by all Zimbabweans as it will inculcate values of Ubuntu/Unhu, patriotism and leadership to the country’s youthful population,” he said.
He also revealed that cabinet has approved the Proposed Framework for Government Equity in Public Private Partnerships set to further drive foreign direct investment into the country in line with the Zimbabwe is open for business mantra.
“Since the inception of the Zimbabwe is Open for Business mantra, there has been an increase in private sector players who wish to partner and do business with Government and Government-owned public enterprises in the rehabilitation of all major roads, railways and other related infrastructure. The policy framework by Government, therefore, will guide private sector participation in Public-Private Partnerships as prescribed under the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) Act [Chapter 14:38] and the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act [Chapter 22:23]. The objective of the policy framework is to ensure value for money and to safeguard national interest,” he added.
Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube weighed in saying the private public partnerships framework will among other things play a crucial role in safeguarding the Zimbabwe Gold (Zig) currency.
He further noted that measures have also been put in place to ensure the full usage of the local currency.
Cabinet also deliberated on issues relating to implementation of various priority projects under the 100-Day Government Cycle Projects and the State Services Pensions Bill.
