21st February Celebrations to Take Centre Stage in Bulawayo

By Staff Reporter

At the first cabinet briefing of the year, earlier today, cabinet approved preparations for the 21st February Commemorations (National Youth Day), with a strong emphasis on devolution and decentralisation. The celebrations will be held at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo from 20th to 21st February 2025, marking a significant step in the Second Republic’s commitment to rotating national events across the country.

This update was given during the first cabinet briefing following the approval of the preparations report presented by the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Honourable Engineer Daniel Garwe, in his capacity as Acting Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on State Occasions and National Monuments.

The 2025 celebrations, themed “Empower Youth, Secure the Future,” are expected to draw 20,000 young people from all nine provinces. With the main event taking place in Bulawayo, other youths will be able to virtually follow the proceedings at designated Vocational Training Centres and institutions of Higher Learning across the country. Moreso, young people will have a platform to engage with President Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa, the celebrations will also showcase the youths’ talents and businesses, and contribute to national development discussions.

Another area of interest will be raising awareness about the dangers of drug and substance abuse and promoting youth development initiatives. The celebrations will also welcome foreign visitors, including Ministers and Youth Council representatives from selected African countries.

Pre-celebration events on 20th February are anticipated to attract 5,000 youths from schools and tertiary institutions within Bulawayo and surrounding provinces. The day’s activities will include a sporting and cultural fiesta, youth exhibitions, a clean-up campaign, a community outreach programme addressing drug and substance abuse, and the popular Ixhiba/Nhanga/Gota exposition led by First Lady, Amai Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa.

Logistical preparations are well underway, with 250 buses allocated for equitable distribution across all provinces to facilitate youth participation. An additional 15 shuttle buses will be available to all constituencies within Bulawayo Metropolitan Province for the 20th February programme.

The choice of Bulawayo for the 2025 celebrations underscores the government’s commitment to devolution and decentralisation, bringing national events to different regions of the country. This approach allows more citizens to participate in national celebrations and promotes a sense of national unity. Last year’s celebrations were held at Mushagashe Vocational Training Centre in Masvingo.