President Charges Youths to Defend Sovereignty, Drive Transformation

Igava, Marondera – The atmosphere at Igava Training Centre in Mashonaland East was charged with energy, pride and revolutionary fervour as Zimbabwe marked the 2026 National Youth Day. Thousands of young people from all ten provinces gathered in celebration, reflection and recommitment to national development.

Delivering the keynote address, the President of Zimbabwe and First Secretary of ZANU PF, His Excellency Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa, challenged the country’s youth to remain loyal, disciplined and productive as they spearhead Zimbabwe’s transformation agenda.

The commemorations, held under the theme “Youth Agenda for Transformation,” were more than ceremonial. They were a powerful reminder that the future of Zimbabwe rests firmly in the hands of its young citizens.

Opening his address with revolutionary chants, His Excellency reaffirmed the enduring values of unity, patriotism and collective responsibility. He commended the massive turnout, describing it as clear testimony of the youth’s commitment to building their motherland.

“Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatigwa nevene vayo. Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhulekelwe ngabanikazi balo,” he declared, reminding the gathering that a nation is built, governed and prayed for by its own people.

The President paid tribute to the youth of yesteryear who sacrificed for independence, freedom and unity. Today’s generation, he said, must rise with equal determination to drive development and modernisation. Regardless of province, background or circumstance, he emphasised that all young Zimbabweans are daughters and sons of one united nation, bound by a shared destiny.

In a notable gesture of inclusion, His Excellency acknowledged Zimbabwean youth in the Diaspora who were also commemorating the day across Africa and beyond. He urged them to hold firmly to their heritage, assuring them that Zimbabwe remains their permanent home.

The decision to host the event in Mashonaland East was consistent with Government’s decentralisation policy. His Excellency reiterated that national events must rotate across provinces, reinforcing the principle that Government is by the people and for the people.

National Youth Day, he noted, is rooted in the foundational principles of the liberation struggle. These values, discipline, resilience, loyalty, volunteerism and service, must continue to guide the youth as they defend Zimbabwe’s sovereignty and advance industrialisation.

With characteristic firmness, the President warned against what he described as neo imperial machinations driven by saboteurs and sell outs. Zimbabwe, he stressed, is master of its own destiny and will never apologise for defending its national interests.

He called on the youth to remain steadfast, patriotic and aligned with the teachings of ZANU PF, the party that led the liberation struggle. Political education, mobilisation and consistent community engagement were highlighted as critical responsibilities of the Youth League.

The President emphasised that visibility should not be limited to commemorative events. Young people must be active and productive across all sectors of the economy, contributing tangibly to agriculture, mining, tourism, manufacturing, science, technology and innovation.

Under the framework of National Development Strategy 2 and the broader Vision 2030 agenda, Zimbabwe aims to become an empowered and prosperous upper middle income society. Achieving this goal, His Excellency said, requires disciplined, hardworking and focused youth who are ready to occupy strategic spaces in the economy.

Government, through the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training and other stakeholders, is implementing wide ranging programmes to ensure no young person and no region is left behind. His Excellency praised the exhibitions he toured, expressing admiration for the innovation, creativity and industrious spirit displayed by young entrepreneurs, athletes, artists and Youth Service graduates.

A Job Fair held concurrently with the celebrations provided practical pathways to employment and career development. The President assured young people that Government will continue expanding access to education, skills training and empowerment opportunities across diverse sectors.

One of the key milestones highlighted during the celebrations was the launch and implementation of the National Youth Empowerment Strategy. The 2026 National Budget has allocated significant funding towards job creation, youth development, sports, creative industries and culture.

Technical and vocational education remains central to Government’s approach. In line with the Vocational Training Transformation Road Map, Youth Service and Vocational Training Centres are being modernised to deliver 21st century competencies. Infrastructure development and harmonisation of operations across these centres are underway.

Among the new facilities are the Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa Centre at Igava and the Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo Centre in Matobo. These institutions symbolise a forward looking investment in practical skills, innovation and national service.

Funding has also been channelled towards innovation hubs and the development of digital and industrial skills. High demand fields such as artificial intelligence, cyber security and data analytics are being prioritised as Zimbabwe positions itself for a technology driven future. Expansion of broadband connectivity, rural technology parks and digital hubs form part of this transformative vision.

To align education with industry needs, Government is updating the national skills audit registry, reforming Technical and Vocational Education Training curricula, expanding apprenticeship programmes and strengthening trade testing infrastructure.

Youth entrepreneurship is being supported through enhanced access to credit, incubation programmes and incentives for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. The National Venture Capital Company is providing additional financial backing for promising start ups.

His Excellency urged the Public Service Commission and all Ministries, Departments and Agencies to prioritise the employment of qualified Youth Service graduates. The integration of Youth Service with vocational training, he observed, is already bearing fruit.

In a heartfelt closing message, the President addressed Youth Service graduates directly, commending their readiness to serve Zimbabwe with integrity and excellence. He called on all young people, at home and in the Diaspora, to remain disciplined, innovative and proud ambassadors of Zimbabwe and Africa.

He also delivered a stern warning against drug and substance abuse, urging the youth to reject destructive habits that threaten their future.

As the celebrations concluded with revolutionary slogans and chants, one message resonated above all others. Zimbabwe’s youth are not spectators in the national journey. They are architects of the future.

At Igava Training Centre, the vision was unmistakable. A disciplined, skilled and patriotic generation is being moulded to carry Zimbabwe forward, brick by brick and stone upon stone, toward a prosperous and sovereign future.

-an Afrocentric Voice

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