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Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]

MATABELELAND South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Dr Evelyn Ndlovu, has urged young people to study the journey towards independence to appreciate the role played by the veterans of the liberation struggle.

Speaking yesterday at the Children’s Party held in Gwanda where learners and other officials followed the main celebrations virtually, Dr Ndlovu said being informed will help the young to understand the role played by nationalists to deliver freedom.

“I would like to applaud you as children from Matabeleland South Province for joining the whole nation in celebrating the 44th independence. This year’s event serves as a symbol of honour to the many sons and daughters of Zimbabwe who fought for our liberation, who were drawn from every village of our country including Matabeleland South Province,” she said. 

“As the leaders of tomorrow, I encourage you to refrain from believing innuendos about how independence was attained but rather study the road, which was taken towards the attainment of our independence so that you have a clear appreciation of our country and leaders at large. 

“Ubaba uMnangagwa, the late uMdala Wethu (Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo), and others. This will definitely instil a sense of responsibility towards safeguarding our nation’s freedom,” said Minister Ndlovu.

She said independence must be a reminder to all youngsters of the onerous obligation and weighty responsibility they have to develop the nation. 

She said despite many hurdles that the country has been subjected to, including the 24 years of illegal sanctions, the flame of independence forever burns. 

Dr Ndlovu said the successes realised under the Second Republic are a great lesson for the young.

“To date many schools have been built so that you are all able to access quality education. It is my hope that you are all focusing on your school work so that you excel on your studies and have a brighter future,” she said. 

“This will guarantee our province diverse skills, which are essential for our province’s success and development.

 

“I’m expecting doctors, pilots, engineers, nurses and technicians from you. Production, productivity, hard honest work, innovation and an entrepreneurial culture are the cornerstones of our individual and collective national effort,” said Dr Ndlovu.

She said the Second Republic is creating opportunities in agriculture, mining, manufacturing, tourism, infrastructure, healthcare, education, sciences and Information Communication Technologies among other sectors. 

Minister Ndlovu urged leaners to take up STEM subjects at school.

She urged youngsters to refrain from engaging in drug and substance abuse as this will destroy their future.

Dr Ndlovu said youngsters should strive to withstand peer pressure and learn lessons from their peers who have made mistakes.

Learners from various schools took turns to present poems and speeches on independence and what it means to them. They expressed gratitude over the sacrifices that were made by the liberation fighters to liberate their country so they could enjoy the freedom and empowerment opportunities.

President Mnangagwa and First Lady Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa yesterday held a Children’s Party at Murambinda A Primary School ahead of the 44th Independence Celebrations today. The main event was attended by children drawn from the country’s 10 provinces. Pupils from various schools in Gwanda, Matabeleland South Province converged at the Ministry of Local Government and Public Work provincial boardroom to follow proceedings of the Children’s Party virtually. 

This year’s Independence Day celebrations theme is: “Zim@44:Unity, Peace and Development Towards Vision 2030’’. — @DubeMatutu