Zim youths urged to repay loans

Youth Development, Indigenisation and Empowerment Minister Saviour Kasukuwere has urged young Zimbabweans to take advantage of the opportunities presented by various empowerment programmes to uplift their livelihood.

In a speech read on his behalf at the launch of the Youth in Defence of Zimbabwe's Sovereignty Organisation (YIDZSO) in Harare yesterday, Kasukuwere also said those who benefit from the Youth Fund should repay loans to enable more youths to benefit from the initiative.

"A lot of loans have been disbursed to youths by Government and a lot of money is still in Government coffers which will be channelled towards youth development," he said.

"The indigenisation and empowerment programme will serve us as a panacea to solving employment challenges in the country since youths will be inpossession of capital to start businesses.

"Cabs has disbursed a lot of money to youths around the country and as Government, we are facing one challenge with youths who are notpaying back their loans.

"This means that the Fund will not revolve to other youths who should also benefit from the loans being disbursed by theseinstitutions."

Kasukuwere also implored young Zimbabweans in the Diaspora to return home.

"As patriotic Zimbabweans, we need to encourage educated young people who are working like slaves in the Diaspora to come back home.

"Government is concerned about young people who are suffering in the Diaspora.

"Government will welcome these young patriotic Zimbabweans with open arms and we will assist them."

In an interview after the event, YIDZSO president Mr Tapiwa Masinire said his organisation has already set up a platform on which young Zimbabweans across southern Africa communicate on matters concerning the country.

He said the need for youths to return home was a major point of discussion.