By Nevanji Munyaradzi Chiondegwa
Harare – The Confederation of Youth Entrepreneurs (CoYE), a pro-government association registered under the Zimbabwe Youth Council (ZYC), hosted a pivotal four-day conference, gathering youths from across the SADC region to celebrate the leadership and vision of His Excellency President ED Mnangagwa as he assumed the SADC Chairmanship. The conference ran from August 10th to 13th, 2024, with the main event held at the Management Training Bureau in Msasa, Harare.
The event, themed “Celebrating President ED Mnangagwa’s Leadership & Vision,” is a testament to the growing influence of President Mnangagwa’s youth empowerment initiatives, which have set a regional benchmark for positive change. His focus on innovation, economic participation, and empowerment is resonating strongly across the region.
“This conference highlights how President Mnangagwa’s commitment to youth empowerment has set a regional benchmark, with policies that have significantly improved the lives of millions of young people,” stated Teddy Ncube, the convenor of CoYE. “As the youths come together, they are not only congratulating President Mnangagwa but are also aligning themselves with his vision, recognizing the critical role they play in advancing his objectives within the SADC framework.”
Ncube further emphasized the significance of the gathering, stating, “This is about uniting the region’s youth to support a leader whose policies have prioritized their future and set a new standard for youth empowerment in Africa.”
The conference provided a platform for discussions on how to support and benefit from Zimbabwe’s progress under President Mnangagwa’s leadership. Key topics included President Mnangagwa’s youth-centered policies, the impact of sanctions on the region, and the potential of Zimbabwe’s gold-backed currency initiative.
The event featured insightful presentations from prominent figures, including:
ZBC CEO Charles Munganasa ignited the audience with his impassioned speech on the opportunities for youth in the media landscape. He challenged young people to seize the moment, asking “If not now, then when?” His message resonated with the conference’s theme of youth empowerment.
Rtd Col Magumise delivered a powerful address on the importance of patriotism and defending SADC unity among the youth. He provided a historical context for the sanctions and land issue in Zimbabwe, highlighting their interconnectedness and the need for a united front against external pressures.
Other notable presentations included representatives from the Hebert Chitepo School of Ideology (HCSI), Citizens Against Economic Sanctions (CAES), and experts who provided a regional perspective on Zimbabwe’s gold-backed currency initiative. The keynote address was delivered by Hon. Taurai Kandishaya, who outlined the potential of Vision 2030 for youth empowerment.
A panel discussion focused on the role of youth as catalysts for economic transformation, particularly in the areas of agriculture, mining, and innovation. The conference concluded with a plenary session allowing participants to share insights, raise questions, and propose resolutions.
Beyond the formal proceedings, the four-day conference offered a diverse range of activities for the attendees. A highlight was a visit to the Museum of African Heritage, providing the youth with a deeper understanding of their shared history and cultural identity. Additionally, the conference coincided with the Heroes Holiday, allowing the participants to participate in the commemorations held at the National Heroes Acre, a site of significant national importance in Zimbabwe.
The SADC Youth Exchange Conference served as a valuable platform for fostering dialogue, collaboration, and networking among young leaders in the region. It is expected to have a lasting impact on youth empowerment and regional integration efforts.
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