Beatrice Kumbana
Political Reporter
Harare, Zimbabwe – In what has become the Sir-Wicknel-norm, President Emmerson Mnangagwa presented a brand-new Toyota Hilux GD6 to popular comedian and actor, Comic Elder, as if to empower the youth,
during the National Youth Symposium held in Harare recently.
The event, which gathered numerous government officials and young people from various sectors across the country, aimed to address youth empowerment and entrepreneurship in Zimbabwe.
While the gift was met with excitement and enthusiasm from the audience, Comic Elder expressed mixed feelings about the government’s approach to youth engagement.
“I’m genuinely happy for the gesture, but I can’t help (but) feel that the government officials present at this event are still not completely in touch with the reality of our youth,”
he remarked.
Comic Elder emphasized the importance of uplifting young individuals through genuine empowerment rather than mere tokenism.
“You can’t uplift the youth by giving a few individuals gifts and calling it empowerment. We can’t always be a nation that relies on donations and handouts,”
he stated.
The comedian’s comments resonate with many young Zimbabweans who are increasingly frustrated with the lack of sustainable opportunities.
He highlighted the need for initiatives that allows youth to create their own paths rather than relying on government handouts.
“In countries where platforms like Facebook offer monetization, young people are making six figures every month through content creation. Here, we have the potential to do the same,”
he said.
Comic Elder proposed that if only the government could engage with platforms like Facebook to partner with local businesses, young entrepreneurs could benefit immensely.
“If our government can collaborate with tech companies to provide monetization opportunities for Zimbabwean creators, we would see a surge in innovation and economic contributions from our youth,”
he added.
The National Youth Symposium served as a vital platform for discussing the future of Zimbabwe’s youth.
While the gift to Comic Elder drew attention, the underlying message was clear: true empowerment requires more than just gestures; it demands actionable plans that foster independence and creativity among the younger generation.
As the event concluded, the call for a more engaged and collaborative approach to youths empowerment echoed throughout the symposium, leaving many hopeful for a brighter future.
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