Free driving lessons for Plumtree youth

The Tonganyika Trust has officially launched Phase Two of its practical skills training programme in Mangwe District, introducing free practical driving lessons aimed at expanding employment opportunities for local youths.

Registration for the programme is being conducted through the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training structures in the district.

The expanded programme builds on the success of Phase One, which saw 81 youths graduate in areas such as beauty therapy, hotel and catering, mortuary assistance, and dispensary assistance. Some participants also completed one-month industrial attachments at local businesses in Plumtree.

Founder of the Trust and Tongai Mafidi Mnangagwa said the initiative remains focused on equipping young people with practical, income-generating skills.

"Our thrust as the Tonganyika Trust is to ensure that young people acquire skills that are relevant, practical and income-generating," Mnangagwa said.

"Phase Two comes in response to the strong uptake and positive impact recorded during the first phase in Mangwe."

He added that the introduction of free practical driving lessons for participants who already hold learner licences was a strategic move to remove financial barriers and widen access to employment in transport, logistics, and related sectors.

"Many young people already have learner licences, but fail to proceed due to financial constraints," Mnangagwa said. "By offering free practical lessons, we are removing that barrier and opening doors to opportunities in transport, logistics and other sectors."

Privy Nleya, a Ministry of Youth official in Mangwe, urged aspiring trainees to prepare the necessary documentation and register through proper channels.

"We are encouraging all interested youths to come forward and register, in an orderly manner, through the ministry structures. Interest has been overwhelming, which shows how much this programme is needed in our district," Nleya said.

Mangwe Ward councillor Simphiwe Vuyelwa Mguni welcomed the programme's return, describing it as a timely intervention for the community.

"We thank MP Mnangagwa for his continued commitment to uplifting the lives of young people in Mangwe," Mguni said. "This programme is not just about training; it is about restoring hope and building sustainable livelihoods."

Phase Two is expected to further strengthen pathways into employment, entrepreneurship, and community development, reinforcing the critical role of vocational skills training in driving rural economic growth.