Youths urged to take an active part in politics

THE Deputy Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Terrence Mukupe, has urged youths to take an active part in politics so that they can be considered in Government positions.

Addressing students at Joshua Mqabuko Polytechnic College in Gwanda last week, Deputy Minister Mukupe said youths were pre-occupied with becoming activists on social media who were criticising the Government but doing nothing towards developmental issues. He urged the youths to join political party structures.

"The problem we have is that young people focus on being activists on Facebook and Twitter at the cost of being agents of development. When the President calls for CVs in order to appoint ministers youths are not forthcoming. We won't build the country by becoming critics. Youths should move away from the peripheries and take an active part in politics in order to be a part of Government. We need those bright and sharp minds in order to build the country. I urge you all young people who are here to join party structures so that come 2023 when President ED calls for CVs you can also submit yours and be a part of the Government,'' he said.

Deputy Minister Mukupe said the country had its last youngest Government in 1980 because of non-participation of youths.

He urged young people to embrace their identity so they could defend their country. Deputy Minister Mukupe also advised youths to read the Zanu-PF manifesto to remain informed of Government's policies and initiatives.