(HERALD ZW) Time of relying on handouts over — Kasukuwere

Time of relying on handouts over — Kasukuwere
Saturday, 25 August 2012 00:00
Herald Reporter

Zimbabwean youths have been urged to use funds they receive under Government empowerment programmes to develop the country and uplift their standards of living.

Speaking during the handover of certificates to youths who participated in the Kurera/Ukondla capacity building programme in Harare yesterday, Youth Development, Indigenisation and Empowerment Minister Savior Kasukuwere, said the time of relying on handouts was over.

The programme, that benefited 100 youths, was aimed at equipping them with business and technical skills. “The funding you are getting is not for embezzling but for uplifting your lives,” he said.

“If you do that diligently, know that you are working towards the development of the nation.”

Minister Kasukuwere said foreigners should never be given a chance to take a leading role in socio and economic activities.

“You are the future of tomorrow thus the duty of building the nation is upon you,” he said.

“It is your duty to build Zimbabwe because no foreigner will come and do that for you. Infact, being a sovereign state we will not allow an alien to lead us in our activities.”

He said the youths should take advantage of Government’s interest in empowering the young generation.

“Government is now talking about you, which is different from the past,” Minister Kasukuwere said.

“You must be grateful that the programmes of youth empowerment have come at a time when you are free to approach banks such as CABS and Old Mutual and financial institutions without fear.”

Old Mutual group human resources executive, Mr Lawrence Gonye, said unemployed youths needed support for them to contribute to the development of the country.

“As partners, we seek to find potential in youths who are not employed,” he said.

“We are confident that they will contribute to the nation. If you become productive contributors to the nation, we will give you our full support.”

Several companies that include Irvine’s Chickens and Profeeds, Pedstock Investments and the Pig Industry Board facilitated the training programme.

The event was also attended by members of the Zimbabwe Youth Council, Boost Fellowship and representatives from CABS.