The youths gave an example of the CABS Youth Fund which they said largely benefitted Zanu (PF) youths who had connections with influential politicians.
Batanai Masunda (31), from Epworth said empowerment programmes had been hijacked by unruly politicians and as a result, only youths with connections have benefitted.
“I think it is better if we are empowered through employment because the empowerment programmes have failed to achieve their targets,” said Masunda.
Elton Mutenje (27), from Hatfield said: “As youths, we are concerned that only a few connected individuals have been able to benefit from the empowerment programmes. In my area I know of many youths who applied for loans from CABS but received no response at all.
“It is better if efforts are made by the government to resuscitate industries and create jobs for the youths because as long as we continue to rely on these partisan programmes, it means some youths will continue being sidelined and sink further into poverty.”
Alice Banda (31), from Kuwadzana, said: “The youth funds have only benefitted Zanu (PF) youths and this is a major cause for concern to some of us. It seems that if you do not have political connections, you are not entitled to benefit so it is better the government concentrates on job creation so that at least, opportunities will be available to all.”
Millianta Mataruse (23) from Epworth, said empowerment programmes had become a source of conflict among youths as they jostle to outdo one another. “Initially, we thought this was a good idea but later on, we discovered that the programmes are actually causing hatred and division among the youths because only a few are benefitting. In my case, I would prefer jobs because there is really nothing positive that has come out of the empowerment programmes,” said Mataruse.
Youth Development, Indiginisation and Empowerment Minister Saviour Kasukuwere is on record denying claims that youth empowerment projects are being administered along partisan lines.
Post published in: News