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Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]

VICE-President Kembo Mohadi underlined the crucial role of youth empowerment in achieving Vision 2030, stressing that the future of Zimbabwe depends on the active participation of its young people. 

Speaking at the inaugural sporting tournament held in his honour at Phelandaba Stadium in Gwanda yesterday, VP Mohadi urged public and private sector players to prioritise youth empowerment in their programming.

“I encourage the creation of youth focal desks and appointment of youth focal persons in every organisation so that youth development becomes a reality, not just rhetoric talk,” he said. 

“As we strive to modernise our country, it is imperative that the youth play an active role in every aspect of nation development.”

VP Mohadi also highlighted the importance of youth involvement in national and community development programmes.

“The youths should stand up and demand to be included in national and community development programmes.”

VP Mohadi commended the Second Republic’s commitment to youth empowerment, citing the creation of the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training.

Under this ministry, various programmes and activities are offered for the development and empowerment of youths.

He also emphasised the significance of sports in shaping the future of young people and praised the tournament organisers for providing valuable lessons to youths through exhibitions and programmes.

VP Mohadi expressed concern over the rising incidents of drug and substance abuse among youths and adults, urging communities to work together to reverse the trend. 

He said many youths with a promising future had fallen victim to the scourge and urged communities to end the problem so they can realise their dreams.

Drawing from his personal experience, he encouraged youths to persevere and work towards their dreams.

“What I learnt through my experience was that the road to a better tomorrow is not an easy one. It takes a dedicated person who is willing to sacrifice personal interests for the greater interests of the nation at large,” he said.

“Today, I stand before you as a proud demonstration of what it means to overcome hardship and adversity. I want to encourage each one of you not to give up on your dreams no matter how impossible they might seem to be. 

“In reality, every dream is possible. It might take too much effort and time but through dedication, it is possible.”

The tournament, which featured 12 football and netball teams representing different constituencies, was aimed at nurturing talent, promoting youth development, and combating drug and substance abuse. 

The winning teams received R175  000 each, while the runners-up received R90 000.

Gwanda Tshitaudze’s football and netball teams won the prize money by beating the Gwanda South teams in the finals.

Gwanda Tshitaudze beat Gwanda South 1-0 in football, while the netball side won 28-11. 

Beitbridge West Constituency was placed third in the football event while Mangwe was fourth. Umzingwane Constituency came third in netball and Insiza South was fourth.

Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Dr Evelyn Ndlovu, praised VP Mohadi’s dedication to youth empowerment and community development. 

She said his influence has been a driving force behind different initiatives, and his contributions have had a profound impact on the community, province and the nation at large.

Dr Ndlovu urged youths to embody the spirit of excellence, craftsmanship, entrepreneurship and sportsmanship.

“Honourable guest, we are grateful for your selfless efforts, your philanthropic endeavours and your passion to empower our youth and promote community development,” she said. 

“Your remarkable achievements serve as an example to us all. I hope this day will not only show our appreciation and affection but rather push us to follow in your footsteps.”

Zanu-PF Matabeleland South Provincial Youth League chairperson Cde Moses Langa, emphasised the importance of emulating VP Mohadi’s hard work and dedication to serving the country.

“As youths from the province, we have to be proud of the leaders we have in the province like our Honourable Vice-President KCD Mohadi, and we have to emulate their great works,” he said. 

“This tournament is just a start as we will have more editions coming up, and in the process, several youths will be empowered. I call upon more youths to be part of this programme.”

Cde Langa expressed his gratitude to all constituencies, sponsors and participants for making the tournament a success.

Deputy Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Emily Jesaya, stressed the significance of youth participation in sports, citing the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).

She encouraged youths to engage in sports, promoting good health, Unhu/Ubuntu values, entrepreneurship, and sporting excellence.

The tournament was a brainchild of the Zanu-PF Matabeleland South Provincial Youth League aimed at celebrating VP Mohadi as a revolutionary for dedicating his life to the defence of the sovereignty of Zimbabwe.

It is set to become an annual event and will play a crucial role in unearthing and nurturing sporting talent among the youth as well as helping in the fight against drug and substance abuse.

The initiative started in May  last year with competitions being held at the ward level. — @DubeMatutu