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She said this was a powerful tool for the promotion of indigenisation and economic empowerment among the groups.
VP Mujuru said co-operatives were an effective way to exert control over their economic livelihood as they facilitated job creation, economic growth and social development.

She was addressing hundreds of members of co-operatives drawn from the country’s 10 provinces gathered in Harare yesterday to commemorate the International Day of Co-operatives.
The day is commemorated annually worldwide to review the contributions of the co-operative movement in resolving economic and social challenges that include gender imbalances, poverty and economic empowerment.

“We are not just celebrating this day for the sake of it, we are looking for tomorrow. Youths, you are the leaders of tomorrow and you have to know what is expected of you.
“Tomorrow’s future is built today and it is done with your help therefore take advantage of Government’s initiatives so that you are able to control your economic livelihoods.”

This year’s theme was “Youths, the Future of Cooperative Enterprise” and it coincided with the United Nations International Year of the Youth.
“We would also want special attention given to the disabled whom I have seen doing wonderful activities which can be supported to give them better livelihoods,” VP Mujuru said.

She commended the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises and Co-operative Development for involving rural women in co-operative development. VP Mujuru said despite the illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by the West, Government had managed to resuscitate co-operatives in a harsh economic climate.
“Through co-operatives, members gain ownership and control over their own means of production but we have been negatively affected by sanctions. However, our spirited effort has seen us managing to revive the co-operatives for the development of the nation.”

Most Governments, VP Mujuru said, sidelined the “real engines” of economic growth such as co-operatives. “Most Governments create policies that are skewed towards the mainstream economic activities. Access to financing, industry standards and infrastructure needs are often crafted and implemented with the interest of those sectors considered to be the main players in mind, sidelining SMEs and co-operatives,” she said.

Minister Sithembiso Nyoni said co-operatives contributed immensely towards poverty alleviation through the economic and social progress of their members.
Youth Development, Indigenisation and Empowerment Minister Saviour Kasukuwere said Government would put in place regulations that ensured co-operators get their title deeds and permits in time.

“There has been an outcry over the delays and I think this is a matter which must be treated with urgency.
“Our development lies in our hands and we have already shown that we have the ability to do it on our own,” he said.
Zimbabwe has more than 4 600 registered co-operatives with more than 3 million members involved in mining, housing, agriculture, and fishing services among other areas.