Mnangagwa's govt employs national youth service graduates

The Zimbabwean government has begun employing graduates from the National Youth Service (NYS) program in line with a Cabinet directive that prioritizes the recruitment of these trainees into the civil service. This move is aimed at empowering young people and integrating them into national development efforts.

Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Minister, Tinoda Machakaire, made the announcement at the Dadaya Youth Training Centre during the inaugural NYS graduation ceremony held on Thursday. He highlighted that a significant number of graduates had already been absorbed into various government departments.

"In May this year, President Emmerson Mnangagwa launched the NYS programme at Nhakiwa Vocational Training Centre in Mashonaland East province," Machakaire said. "Following that, we successfully recruited trainees at both the Vumba and Dadaya centres, resulting in some of the graduates being absorbed into state institutions."

According to Machakaire, graduates from the programme have been employed by notable entities such as the Zimbabwe Republic Police, Zimbabwe National Army, Zvishavane Town Council, Zimpapers, and the Public Service Commission.

"This initiative aligns with a Cabinet directive that gives priority to holders of the Youth Service Certificate for admission into state institutions and appointments in public service and state enterprises," he added. "This programme is vital for youth development, aiming to build patriotic, disciplined, resilient, and responsible youth who are equipped with practical skills to actively participate in nation-building."

Machakaire also revealed that the government is working to expand vocational training opportunities across Zimbabwe. He disclosed that the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training has been allocated land for the establishment of new vocational training centres (VTCs) in every district.

"We are committed to increasing access to vocational training nationwide, with plans to establish at least one VTC in every district, including metropolitan areas," Machakaire said. "The existing centres are undergoing refurbishment, and land has already been secured for new locations with the goal of training more youth over the next five years."

The Minister also addressed the growing issue of drug and substance abuse among the youth, acknowledging the need for a multisectoral approach to tackle the crisis. He emphasized that vocational training centres play a crucial role in providing young people with valuable skills and meaningful alternatives to harmful behaviors.

"These centres offer our youth a sense of purpose and the skills they need to succeed, which is essential in combating vulnerability to substance abuse," Machakaire said.

The NYS programme was originally launched by the late Youth Minister Border Gezi in 2001, but it faced significant funding challenges that led to its suspension. Attempts to revive the programme in 2021 also struggled due to similar issues. However, under President Mnangagwa's leadership, the NYS programme was successfully relaunched in May 2024, marking a new chapter for youth empowerment and development in Zimbabwe.

With the program now in full swing, the government aims to continue creating pathways for youth employment and skill development, ensuring that young people are well-equipped to contribute meaningfully to the country's growth.