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By Johnsias Mutonhori

THE youth of Midlands Province are expressing their gratitude for the gains achieved during the liberation struggle, crediting the Second Republic for providing them with numerous opportunities.

Before independence, young black individuals were marginalised from economic activities and political spaces under colonial rule.

Many were limited to low-paying farm work, which hindered their educational advancement, business establishment and access to influential positions in governance.

However, the courageous actions of young people nationwide during the liberation struggle formed a juggernaut to challenge colonial rule and fight for their rights to land and equal opportunities in all sectors of the economy.

Following Independence, the Zimbabwean Government implemented land redistribution, a bold move that particularly benefited the youth.

The Second Republic has since widened opportunities for young people in political spaces, the mining sector and agriculture through initiatives such as the quota system, the provision of mining claims and the allocation of farms.

Entrepreneurially gifted individuals now enjoy the freedom to establish businesses without restrictions.

As the nation approaches its 44th Independence anniversary on the 18th of this month, the youth of Midlands Province, expressed their gratitude for this significant day, emphasising its importance on the national calendar.

Cde Phineas Makombe, Zanu-PF National Youth League Secretary for Legal Affairs and the provincial council representative for Midlands praised the Second Republic for considering young people across various trades.

He urged the youth to play their part in safeguarding the gains of the liberation struggle, emphasising the importance of patriotism, love for their country, and the protection of Zimbabwe’s ethos and values.

“The inclusion of the youth in the legislature like the recently introduced youth quarter in Parliament, by the Second Republic the continued appointment in boards and ministerial positions to young people are the best move that has been done by the Second Republic to empower the youth and this means the youth constituency is well represented in most sectors of administration and leadership,” he said.

“The role of the youth to protect the gains of the liberation struggle begins with patriotism, loving and defending what was born of independence which is their country Zimbabwe, valuing what brought the independence which is the war veterans, refusing westernised agendas that seek to corrode our ethos and values as a people.

“As youth we must continue to support these Uhuru celebrations in toto, loving each other and abstaining from drugs so the youth remain balanced, energised and focused whilst putting their hands and minds together to build our country, scientifically, economically, socially, politically and morally this is how best the youth can defend our independence and all this done in peace and unity,” he added.

Cde Ernest Dzoro, Zanu-PF Chairperson for Youth in Midlands, stated that Independence Day serves as a time for the youth to reflect on their history and appreciate the freedoms they enjoy today.

He emphasised that this day connects them to their identity as a nation, reminding them of their struggle against colonial injustice, segregation, and marginalisation.

Cde Dzoro acknowledged the invaluable presence of surviving liberation war heroes, who continuously impart the ideological foundations of Zimbabwe’s history and culture to the younger generation.

“Independence Day is a very essential component, it’s not just a day, but a part of our life, history, and culture as a nation.

“It gets us back to remembering who we are as a people, where we came from, and where we are heading to.

“Memories of our struggle to fight colonial injustice, black segregation, and marginalisation are resurrected to give us a vision of the future, that is, to never let Zimbabwe be a colony again,” he said.

“As the youths of today, we are blessed to live among some of the surviving liberation war heroes

“They constantly help us with the fundamental ideological foundations of our history and culture as a society.

“Through socialisation, most youths have come to appreciate our rich history,” he added

Mr. Blessing Dhlakama, a youthful entrepreneur and owner of NED Construction Company in Gweru, commended the government for its business-friendly policies, which have provided opportunities for young people to thrive in their ventures.

He stated that such opportunities would have been possible during the white minority rule.

“The Second Republic has shown its openness to business in the construction industry, proffering positive changes that have occurred since its inception which was not there during the minority rule.

“The supportive environment, streamlined processes, and infrastructure investments have created opportunities for growth and development, benefiting both local and international players in the construction sector.

“Investments in infrastructure development that have been done over the years championed by the president set the backbone of our economy, and Zimbabwe has made notable advancements in this area,” he said.

Mr Dhlakama applauded the Second Republic for its openness to business in the construction industry, which has resulted in positive changes since its inception.

“The infrastructure development, championed by President Mnangagwa, has laid the foundation for the country’s economy and improved the quality of life for Zimbabwean citizens through projects such as road networks, housing developments, and public facilities.

“The supportive environment, streamlined processes, and infrastructure investments have created opportunities for growth and development, benefiting both local and international players in the sector,” he added

This year, the provincial independence celebrations in Midlands Province will take place for the first time in Kwekwe at Mbizo Stadium since independence.

Traditionally, the provincial celebrations were hosted at Mkoba Stadium in Gweru, the provincial capital, however, the Second Republic’s adoption of the devolution concept has decentralised national events, allowing for greater inclusivity and participation across the country.