Andrew Langa hails indigenisation, empowerment of youths

ZANU-PF Matabeleland South provincial chairperson, Andrew Langa, last weekend expressed delight at the manner in which youths empowered through the Youth Development, Indigenisation and Empowerment programme, were tirelessly working towards developing the country, particularly small-scale miners.

Addressing delegates at the opening of a state-of-the-art leisure centre established at the heart of Mawabeni business centre last Saturday, Langa said youths were the key to reviving Zimbabwe's economy.

The leisure centre, Gold Reef Sports Bar, was established by a beneficiary of the Youth Development, Indigenisation and Empowerment programme - Mr Leonard Ndlovu - who is a small-scale miner.

"The Youth Development, Indigenisation and Empowerment programme has been yielding results and one fine example is that of this young man who has established a state-of -the-art leisure centre in this area.

"It is through such projects, particularly mining, that he managed to establish such a unique structure. He (Mr Ndlovu) should be an exemplary figure to other youths and should also empower other youths in the drive to resuscitate the Zimbabwean economy," he said.

Langa also urged youths to refrain from engaging in uncanny activities such as alcohol abuse and prostitution and focus their energies on developing Zimbabwe.

"I would like to applaud Mr Ndlovu and his wife for establishing such a centre in Matabeleland South as it has created opportunities for locals here. Even with the economic sanctions the country is presently going through, he has shown that resilience and hard work are the key to success. The establishment of this centre has not only created jobs for the people but has also put this area on the map," he said.

Prominent Bulawayo businessman and small-scale miner, Mr Morgan Moyo, also expressed delight at the manner in which empowered youths were taking the initiative in an effort to resuscitate Zimbabwe's economy.

"Thank you to the community of Mawabeni, this is evidence that even out of difficulty, we as Zimbabweans are resilient and hard working. No sanction can control our minerals and it is through minerals such as gold that we are where we are today. Our leader, President Mugabe gave us the opportunity to harness the livelihood of our country and it is only right that we do so," he said.

Mr Moyo also said that youth empowerment programmes should be taken seriously as they were the key area to the development of Zimbabwe. "Zimbabwean leaders left this market open to everyone. Youths should come together and work towards the development of the country."