Story by Oleen Ndori
THE government says intergenerational interaction plays a key role in the exchange of knowledge and ideas on national development.
This came out at the inaugural high level. intergenerational roundtable held in Harare this Wednesday, with discussions focusing on how different generations can harness their ideas and expertise to drive national development.
The government is committed to the exchange of ideas and knowledge towards the achievement of an upper middle-income society by 2030.
“Equal intergenerational collaboration is vital for our shared success. Our communities are rich in wisdom, experience and talent, and it is crucial that we bridge the gap between generations. I urge our elders to take an active role in mentoring the youth, sharing their knowledge, talent, and lived experience,” Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, Honourable Tino Machakaire said.
“Human empowerment is central to sustained economic growth. To empower citizens, we must provide access to skills training, innovative learning pathways, and platforms for entrepreneurship. Empowerment means giving individuals the tools to shape their own economic destiny while contributing to national development goals. This includes improving access to vocational training, expanding opportunities for women and youth, and supporting communities in building local industries. Empowered citizens are more productive, more confident, and more capable of driving transformation. When people thrive, the nation thrives,” the Minister of Skills Audit and Development. Professor Paul Mavima stated.
Guest of Honour, Vice President Colonel (Rtd) Dr Kemba Mabadi spoke of how the inaugural roundtable will close the gap between generations for Zimbabwe’s development.
“Today, we gather to bridge the generational divide, to weave together the wisdom of our elders with the innovative spirit of our youth. This intergenerational dialogue is not a luxury; it is an absolute necessity. The older generation, of which I am a proud member, carries the invaluable historical insights and lessons learned from past economic policies and practices. We have witnessed the ups and downs of our nation’s developmental trajectory, and our experiences can serve as a guiding light for current and future strategies,” he said.
“Conversely, the younger generation brings fresh ideas, technological savviness, and an unyielding willingness to embrace change. You are the digital natives, the innovators, and the entrepreneurs who will drive the next wave of economic growth. Your energy, creativity, and adaptability are indispensable assets in our quest for a prosperous Zimbabwe.”
He urged youths to embody the spirit of the mantra: ‘Nyika inovakwa nevene wayo. ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo, a nation is built and governed by its own people.
“Second Republic, under the astute leadership of His Excellency, the President, has already laid the groundwork for a total socio-economic transformation and modernisation of Zimbabwe, ‘leaving no one and no place behind.’ You, the young people, must own this vision. It must be a vision of the youths, executed by the youths, and for the youths. This is the very philosophy that underpins the Vision 2030 movement, and I strongly encourage the movement to continue reaching out to all young people, both in urban and rural areas.”
“The future is, indeed, in your hands. Be the masters of your own destiny. Young people are the true owners and custodians of this beautiful country. You remain the vanguard of our ideologies, our ethos, our pride, and unprecedented dreams.”
The indaba, organised by the Vision 2030 Movement, was held under the theme, ‘Empowering Generations: A High-Level Intergenerational Roundtable on Achieving Vision 2030 in Zimbabwe.
It also saw the attendees engaging with the Vice President on a number of issues relating to youth empowerment and the inclusive development agenda.
