By Edward Makuzva Zvishavane- President and First Secretary of ZANU PF, His Excellency Cde Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, has called on Zimbabwe’s youth to draw inspiration from the legacy of the ancient Munhumutapa Empire as the country accelerates its journey towards Vision 2030. Speaking at the second edition of the Munhumutapa Day Celebrations in Zvishavane, the President underscored the pivotal role of young people in shaping the nation’s socio-economic and political future. The colourful event, hosted by the ZANU PF Youth League, attracted thousands of youths from across the country and coincided with President Mnangagwa’s birthday. The commemorations, first held in Masvingo last year, have now become an annual fixture on the Youth League calendar, rotating across provinces in line with the Government’s Devolution and Decentralisation Policy. “Your dynamism and energy are indeed a crucial force that must continue to drive progress, modernisation and industrialisation in our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe,” said President Mnangagwa, applauding the Youth League’s mobilisation efforts and its continued engagement in national affairs. Linking Heritage with Vision 2030 The President placed the Munhumutapa Empire at the heart of Zimbabwe’s historical and cultural identity, describing it as a beacon of inspiration for present and future generations. “As one of the most powerful and prosperous kingdoms in Southern Africa, the Munhumutapa Empire remains a source of motivation as we look into the future towards Vision 2030,” President Mnangagwa explained. “It was built on trade in precious minerals, long-distance commerce, and stable governance. This is the heritage that you, our young people, must continue to preserve, promote and advance.” He urged Zimbabwe’s youth to adopt the values of nation-building, leadership and sovereignty embodied by the Munhumutapa, while also embracing innovation and modern technologies to propel the country forward. Youth Empowerment as a National Priority Highlighting several empowerment initiatives rolled out by his administration, President Mnangagwa listed the Munhumutapa Housing Scheme, the Presidential Youth Empowerment Fund, the Presidential Mechanisation Programme, and livestock projects such as the Heifer and Goat Programmes. These, he said, demonstrate the Government’s commitment to providing practical tools and opportunities for young people to participate in national development. “Individually and collectively, you must do more to lift yourselves and more of our people out of poverty into prosperity,” he added. “This Vision requires the active participation of the youth, who must be equipped with the skills, knowledge and resources to lead the nation.” The First Secretary of ZANU PF challenged youths to leverage ICTs to drive innovation in sectors such as e-health services, renewable energy, logistics and agro-manufacturing, while also entering value addition and beneficiation in the mining sector. Patriotism and Discipline President Mnangagwa’s speech also addressed the need for patriotism, discipline and a renewed national consciousness among young Zimbabweans. He warned against the dangers of drug and substance abuse, which he described as an “unseen enemy” threatening families and national development. “Only patriotic and sober young people, with a clear national consciousness, can build a prosperous Zimbabwe. Drugs will rob you of your ability to fulfil your God-given purpose and destiny and weaken our national fabric,” he said. Cde Mnangagwa called on the youth, including those in the diaspora, to protect Zimbabwe’s identity and heritage, uphold the dignity of the national flag, and reject divisive tendencies that undermine unity. Building the Future Together The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to working hand-in-hand with young people to achieve Vision 2030, transforming Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy. “We must work together to build a Zimbabwe that honours its past while boldly adopting modernisation, industrialisation and new technologies without compromising our culture,” he added. “With your energy, dedication and hard work, I have no doubt that we will achieve our goals.” As the celebrations concluded, President Mnangagwa urged young Zimbabweans to take inspiration from the Munhumutapa legacy and continue driving the country’s development agenda. “Let us build a Zimbabwe that reflects the greatness of our ancestors, the aspirations of our youth, and the promise of a better tomorrow for all,” President Mnangagwa said, wishing attendees safe journeys back to their provinces. Post navigation Ambassador Almassri Condemns New Evacuation Orders in Gaza ZRP SUPERIORITY ESTABLISHED AS ARMED ROBBER IS DISPATCHED TO ETERNAL REST IN CHEGUTU.