Opinion

From a (CCOSA) Presidential point of view!

By Simbarashe Mutizwa

According to the Minister of Youth Development, Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment, Saviour Kasukuwere, the youth of the 80s came together, sang and held hands in unison to fight and bring about the political independence that we now, annually, boast about on the 18^th of April.

The Minister is of the opinion that it was a combination of sacrifice and patriotism that motivated these young people who participated in this dreadful ordeal. Interestingly, Minister Kasukuwere had his example in the General Constantine Chiwenga who joined the war at 16 and became the youngest soldier to occupy a position of leadership in that atrocious war.

Surely, the sacrifice exhibited by these young, devoted and brave people is indeed remarkable!

As I listened to Minister Kasukuwere yesterday during the press club session, I was forced to make a comparison between these remarkable devotees of the 80s and my generation which many people deem the ‘born frees’ of the 90s. What would the born frees have done if their source of pride was snatched from them? Such is the nature of questions that triggered in me. I mean would we, I included, stand up and defend our heritage? What would this generation of ours be remembered for: Otherwise for the use of social media to mock these initiatives.

As the Minister chronologically imparted the history of Zimbabwe since independence to this present day, I ran my eyes around the room piled with trainee journalists and I was thinking, “boy oh boy, we need to be remembered of something but unfortunately could not figure out as to what exactly. 

We certainly have a role to play in this current Zimbabwe, the 80s’ youth brought us emancipation and it is our duty to preserve it. The technological advancements ought to work at our advantage and enhance development of this lovely land of Zimbabwe. I challenge you all to do your part!