…says no to Favoritism and corruption
By Shadreck Gurenje
President Mnangagwa has said the US$2 million Presidential Youth Empowerment Revolving Fund is earmarked to fund youth income generating projects.
The official launch of the Presidential Youth Empowerment Scheme was being held under the theme “Fuel Youth: Ignite the Future.”
Giving his keynote address at the launch of the Presidential Youth Empowerment Scheme, ZANU PF First Secretary and President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa said the Presidential Youth empowerment scheme must identify deserving and capable youth and no to favouritism and corruption.
President Mnangagwa also said the sustainable Fund must benefit the majority of the country’s youth nationwide.
“Today, we are gathered to witness yet another great stride by the Second Republic in our endeavour to realise the development, empowerment and prosperity of the youth of our great motherland, Zimbabwe.
“This event, which marks the official launch of the “Presidential Youth Empowerment Scheme” is being held under the theme “Fuel Youth: Ignite the Future.” This programme includes aspects that resulted from the various interactions I have had with you the youth and the tours I have taken across provinces which exposed me to your pressing needs and requirements.
“To advance this endeavour, today I am launching a US$2 million Presidential Youth Empowerment Revolving Fund that is earmarked to fund youth income generating projects. In addition, I am launching a US$5 million Presidential Youth Mining Equipment Scheme for our young artisanal miners. These two initiatives are just but a few of the many that will follow in due course.
“As you distribute these resources, I urge you to exercise high levels of morality and ethical consideration. The schemes must identify deserving and capable youth. No to favouritism and corruption. I want this to be an enduring and sustainable Fund which benefits the majority of our country’s youth.
“Hence, the US$2 million Fund must not be taken as a free hand-out but administered as a revolving one that issues loans which are paid back for the benefit of many more people after,” said President Mnangagwa.
President Mnangagwa has reiterated that the Second Republic is a listening Government which is undertaking all-encompassing programmes towards improving the quality of life of all Zimbabweans.
“My Administration is a listening Government, you the youth spoke; I listened and my Government is delivering. This Scheme is, therefore, yet another testament that my Administration is indeed undertaking all-encompassing programmes towards improving the quality of life of all 2 Zimbabweans.
“As we March forward to realise Vision 2030, no one and no place will be left behind, regardless of age, gender or where one lives. The aspirations and hopes of all the youth of our country, from Plumtree to Mutare and Chirundu to Beitbridge, form the bedrock, foundation and main pillars of the projects and initiatives that will be commence under the Presidential Youth Empowerment Scheme.
“Comrades; the youth are the future and you constitute a large portion of our country’s total population. Your eagerness, zeal and enthusiasm to participate in the social, economic and political affairs of our nation, gives us as a Party and Government great pride,” said President Mnangagwa.
President Mnangagwa also said government will be mobilising more financial resources towards youth empowerment across the nation.
“This programme I am launching today, therefore, dovetails with the spirit and letter of these provisions. The symbiotic relations existing between the Ruling Party’s Youth League and the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Skills Training are mutually beneficial and serve one constituency, our youth.
“Following the establishment of youth desks in Government ministries and the ongoing quest to ensure a conducive ease of doing business environment for the youth, notable strides are evident with regards to youth empowerment and inclusion in all sectors of the economy.
“The Youth Empower Bank will administer the Fund. My Government will be mobilising more financial resources towards this initiative. Additionally, from the USD50 million Financing Facility that my Government is mobilising to accelerate irrigation development, for climate proofing agriculture, USD10 million will be reserved for the youth in agriculture.
“As these programme unfolds, the Youth League national structures will be capacitated to offer technical assistance, as well as monitor and evaluate progress of these schemes for sustainability. To this end, use of technology is the way to go to enhance productivity. I acknowledge Youth Development and Empowerment Strategic Partners who have heeded our call for partnerships in resource mobilisation for this Scheme. Your unwavering support and patriotism is applauded.
“ I challenge other market leaders, entrepreneurs and patriotic citizens to come on board in support of this noble idea that is empowering our next generation, including through the pursuit of business mentoring and capacity building initiatives,” said President Mnangagwa.