A recent interview with Zimbabwean youth during Robert Gabriel Mugabe National Youth Day revealed widespread disillusionment stemming from unemployment and economic despair. Many blame Zanu PF’s policies for their hardships, with increasing poverty rates and a lack of jobs driving youth towards crime and substance abuse. The focus remains on political power rather than addressing the urgent need for job creation, worsening feelings of hopelessness among this generation.
On Robert Gabriel Mugabe National Youth Day, a private radio station highlighted the despair felt by Zimbabwean youth struggling with unemployment. Many expressed that they’ve been pushed towards criminal activities due to a lack of job opportunities. One individual lamented that at age 37, they’ve never experienced employment or held a payslip, emphasizing a deep disillusionment among this generation.
The impact of Zanu PF’s governance has been detrimental, marking a sharp decline in formal job availability, the shutdown of major retailers, and widespread economic failures. Their policies have devastated the job market, leading to significant brain drain and capital flight, which have further exacerbated youth unemployment. Many now rely on informal sector jobs, as the economy spirals downward.
Recent statistics from the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency reveal alarming trends in poverty levels. The food poverty line for an individual is projected to rise, indicating the increasing cost of living amid a stagnant job market. Many youths are struggling to meet basic needs, highlighting the urgency of job creation as an essential priority for the future.
Amidst this economic turmoil, discussions regarding extending President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term are growing, while the focus on urgent job creation is largely absent. This fixation on power retention over sustainable economic recovery has left a generation feeling hopeless, with some resorting to substance abuse as a means of escape.
In summary, the sense of despair among Zimbabwean youth is palpable due to high unemployment rates, ineffective government policies, and economic instability. With the cost of living rising and job opportunities dwindling, many youths feel disconnected from the political process, believing their votes do not matter. The urgency for change lies in the need for a focus on creating formal employment and reversing economic failures, rather than mere political power retention.
Original Source: www.newsday.co.zw
