Story by Godfrey M Bonda
Epworth – Entrepreneurs for Economic Development, in conjunction with the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, supported the ZANU PF graduation ceremony held today at Olympics Ground in Epworth, in an event that reflected the growing alignment between youth skills development and national policy priorities.
Honourable Tinoda Machakaire graced the Epworth Zone 5 graduation and praised Vision 2030 as well as Amendment Bill No. 3, placing the programme within the broader national development framework. His presence underscored Government’s continued emphasis on empowering young people as a key driver of economic transformation.
Honourable Machakaire also planted a tree named Amendment Bill No. 3, while Emmanuel Mahachi planted a tree named Vision 2030. The symbolic acts reflected a deliberate effort to link policy, environmental consciousness and youth participation, reinforcing long-term commitment to national goals.
Entrepreneurs for ED (Economic Development) operated under the theme “Change Your Mindset Not Vision 2030,” signalling a strong ideological push towards mindset transformation as a foundation for economic productivity. Their support for Amendment Bill No. 3 further highlighted how civic and affiliate groups are positioning themselves within ongoing governance and policy discourse.
The attendance of ZANU PF Central Committee Member Cde Mawire, Cde Mbizvo, Youth Chairman Emmanuel Mahachi, members of the Youth League and DCC structures pointed to coordinated mobilisation at grassroots level. The involvement of affiliates such as Young Women 4 ED and Boyz Dzamudhara also reflected an expanding ecosystem of youth-focused organisations supporting development initiatives.
Cde Mahachi commended empowerment efforts and saluted Youth Affairs Cde Shiri for advancing youth programmes, while Zone 5 DCC Youth Affairs Cde Spencer Shiri highlighted the energy and readiness of local youths to contribute to national development, reinforcing support for Amendment Bill No. 3.
From a development perspective, the graduation of youths in practical fields such as beauty therapy, building and design points to a deliberate shift towards vocational and skills-based training as a pathway to employment creation and entrepreneurship. The inclusion of tree planting activities at Domboramwari High School further integrates sustainability into youth development programmes.
Overall, the event illustrates how youth empowerment initiatives are increasingly being structured not only as social programmes, but as strategic instruments for economic growth, policy alignment and community-level development in Zimbabwe.
