Story by Tafara Chikumira
YOUTHS from the Midlands province are the latest beneficiaries of the Presidential Youth Empowerment Scheme after receiving a consignment of tractors and other farming equipment under the programme.
The equipment is part of the US$2 million Presidential Youth Empowerment revolving fund launched by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in March this year.
The machinery has been availed at a time farmers are preparing for the summer cropping season.
“We are grateful to our principal for standing with us. When President Emmerson Mnangagwa said he was going to empower youths, some had doubts, but today, we are witnessing such progress. Unlike in the past, we are getting involved to be part of the economic growth, which is essential for any nation. We are the vanguard of the country and as such, we need to be part of its development,” ZANU PF Midlands Province Youth League Chairperson, Cde Enerst Dzoro noted.
Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Owen Ncube says the initiative demonstrates the will by the Second Republic to pursue inclusive development.
“Today’s event demonstrates the government’s commitment to agricultural mechanisation, agro-processing, employment creation and improvement of livelihoods of rural communities under the multiplier effect of Rural Development 8.0 model. As the Second Republic, under the able and visionary leadership of President Mnangagwa, positions itself to reclaim its regional breadbasket status, attain food security and self-sustenance in pursuit of Vision 2030.”
Meanwhile, Honourable Ncube presided over the drug and substance abuse awareness campaign at Mkoba Teachers College in Gweru this Wednesday.
The event is part of the broader activities by the Visionary Cadres Association of Zimbabwe (VICAZ), targeting youths to shun the menace affecting society.
“We have embarked on a drive to fight drug abuse. We are targeting schools and colleges to spread the message of anti-drug abuse so we can build a clean generation,” VICAZ Midlands Provincial Chairperson, Mrs Chiedza Pikirai said.
The drug and substance abuse menace has prompted the government to come up with an inter-ministerial task force to spearhead the fight against the scourge in the country.
