The Harare Institute of Technology (HIT) proudly participated in the 2025 National Youth Day Celebrations held at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Grounds in Bulawayo, marking a vibrant occasion dedicated to honoring the youth’s contributions to Zimbabwe’s development. The celebrations, themed “Empower the Youth, Secure the Future,” were a culmination of various interactive activities designed to empower and inspire the next generation of leaders.
The event, organized by the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training alongside the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development (MoHTESTD), brought together delegates from 22 higher and tertiary institutions across Zimbabwe and representatives from various African countries, including political parties from South Africa, Tanzania, Mozambique, and Burundi.
HIT’s delegation included Ms. S. Mudavanhu, the Dean of Student Affairs, Ms. Y. Guwuriro, the Acting Deputy Dean of Student Affairs, and Mr. J. Makumbe from Communications, Advancement and International Relations Office. A five-member Student Representative group, comprising Ropafadzo Mandimika, Tanatswa N. Mutswangwa, Takudzwa Mutopo, Ismael Chitewo, and Perceive Matekede, also made the trip to represent the voices of their peers.
The National Youth Day theme “Empower the Youth, Secure the Future” emphasized the crucial role of youths in nation-building and encouraged participants to adopt values of leadership, civic responsibility, and moral integrity. It was reiterated that initiatives such as the Heritage-based Education 5.0 model are instrumental in addressing unemployment and fostering industrialization in Zimbabwe through localized knowledge and skills.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa delivered an inspiring address encouraging young Zimbabweans to take an active role in shaping the nation’s destiny.
Welcoming both the youth and international delegates, President Mnangagwa emphasized the importance of unity within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the broader African continent. “The prosperity and future of our region and Africa is in your hands. We, the older generation, played our part to bring about independence, freedom, and peace. The ball is now in your court,” he stated.
The President also commended youth entrepreneurs and called for increased support from government ministries and financial institutions. “Together, let us endeavor to achieve a drug-free society. That is the Zimbabwe we all want,” he declared while addressing the issue of drug and substance abuse.
“As we build our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe, brick by brick, stone upon stone, step by step, let us remain united, vigilant, determined, and focused,” President E.D Mnangagwa concluded, wishing all attendees safe travels back to their provinces.
