In an interview during Robert Gabriel Mugabe National Youth Day, Zimbabwean youths expressed deep hopelessness regarding unemployment and crime. They lamented the lack of job opportunities and the adverse effects of political mismanagement. The Zanu PF government’s negligence has led to a crisis of confidence in the electoral system, with youth increasingly turning to substance abuse, reflecting a broader loss of future prospects.
Last Friday, during the commemoration of Robert Gabriel Mugabe National Youth Day, a private radio station interviewed various youths. The broadcast, aired Tuesday morning, revealed their overwhelming sense of hopelessness. One participant expressed, “We want jobs so that some of us stop engaging in crime such as theft. Many of us are being pushed into such criminal activities because we are unemployed and have no source of income.” Another stated, “Now I am 37 years old and I don’t know what it means to be employed. I have never held a payslip in my hand.” Such sentiments reflect the disillusionment of an entire generation that has faced numerous obstacles in accessing formal employment.
The current political climate under the Zanu PF government has drastically hindered the job market, leading to the decline of numerous industries and a lack of viable opportunities. As a result, many young individuals find themselves in part-time or informal jobs, struggling to make ends meet. Zanu PF’s mismanagement has caused significant disruptions: from industry closures and capital flight to a pervasive brain drain. The protagonists of these failures extend their influence across multiple sectors, poisoning communities throughout Zimbabwe.
Today, many youths express indifference towards the electoral process, believing their votes cannot effect real change. One common sentiment is, “It remains the same,” indicating a growing disillusionment with the promises of democratic governance. Their belief in the effectiveness of the one man, one vote system has eroded, particularly after the 2018 elections, where they felt cheated when results favored Zanu PF candidates despite their overwhelming support for opposition candidates.
The disruption of formal retail systems has exacerbated the economic difficulties many face, with countless workers laid off and the informal sector struggling to fill the void. The rising cost of living, marked by the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency’s report that the food poverty line increased significantly, underlines the urgent need for addressing these issues. In dollar terms, individuals require approximately US$50 for the basic necessities to avoid poverty, which remains unattainable for many unemployed youths.
Unfortunately, instead of addressing the dire need for job creation and industrial reinvigoration, the focus remains firmly on retaining power, as certain factions within Zanu PF propose extending President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term until 2030. Amid these political maneuverings, the rising desperation manifests in increasing drug and substance abuse among youths who turn to such alternatives amidst a grim reality. This situation highlights a lost generation facing diminished prospects for their future.
The struggles faced by Zimbabwean youths underscore the urgent need for job creation and industrial revitalization to counteract the pervasive hopelessness that defines their current reality. Political focus on power retention rather than solutions for improving living conditions and employment opportunities only exacerbates the plight of these young individuals. Addressing these critical issues is essential to foster a resilient and hopeful future for Zimbabwe’s next generation.
Original Source: www.newsday.co.zw
