THE launch of the Presidential Youth Fund by President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Thursday appears, at face value, to be a laudable initiative aimed at empowering Zimbabwe’s youths and stimulating economic growth.
However, beneath the surface of this seemingly noble endeavour lies a troubling historical precedent that cannot be ignored.
Similar programmes in the past have been marred by mismanagement, corruption and unfulfilled promises. The government must exercise caution to ensure that this fund does not follow the same path of squandered resources and dashed hopes.
This is not the first time a youth empowerment fund has been introduced in Zimbabwe. During the late president Robert Mugabe’s tenure, a similar scheme was rolled out with grand promises of uplifting young entrepreneurs. Yet, instead of fostering economic empowerment, the initiative became synonymous with financial mismanagement and lack of accountability.
Auditor-General reports unearthed glaring irregularities, exposing a disturbing pattern of abuse where taxpayer funds, intended to support aspiring business owners, were instead misallocated or misappropriated, leaving the intended beneficiaries empty-handed.
This troubling history raises serious concerns about the government’s ability to effectively and ethically manage such funds.
Since this new fund is also financed by taxpayers, it is imperative that its administration is guided by principles of fairness, transparency and inclusivity.
Zimbabwean youths are not a homogenous group; they have diverse aspirations and come from different socio-political backgrounds.
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Any form of partisan allocation or political bias in distributing these funds would not only derail the initiative’s objectives, but also deepen existing inequalities and fuel further disillusionment among young people.
The government must demonstrate an unwavering commitment to equitable access, ensuring that every deserving young person, regardless of political affiliation, has an equal opportunity to benefit.
The success of the Presidential Youth Fund will ultimately hinge on the government’s ability to shield it from corruption and mismanagement, persistent afflictions that have eroded public trust in state institutions. This fund must not become yet another avenue for elite self-enrichment at the expense of Zimbabwe’s future.
To prevent such an outcome, stringent oversight mechanisms must be put in place, including regular audits, independent monitoring and strict punitive measures against those found guilty of financial misconduct.
Accountability must not be a mere afterthought. The government must provide clear, detailed guidelines outlining eligibility criteria, application processes and fund allocation procedures.
Furthermore, periodic progress reports should be made publicly available, enabling citizens to scrutinise and track the fund’s impact. They will also ensure that public officials are held accountable.
Without such transparency, this initiative risks becoming yet another footnote in Zimbabwe’s long history of failed empowerment schemes, leaving the youth disillusioned and the nation no better off.
