Former Zimbabwe Congress of Students Unions leader and current chairman of the Zimbabwe Youth Action Platform, Tonderai Chidawa, has challenged Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, Tino Machakaire, and his deputy, John Paradza, to attend the National Youth Service (NYS) programme themselves if they genuinely believe in its importance.
Chidawa's challenge comes after Minister Machakaire sparked controversy by stating that graduates in Zimbabwe may struggle to secure employment without an NYS certificate. The minister emphasized that completing the youth service programme is a key requirement for young people seeking jobs in the country, as it helps ground them in their identity, values, and history.
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However, Chidawa believes that Machakaire and Paradza should lead by example and undergo the same process they are advocating for young people to undertake. "Chidawa believes that Machakaire with his Deputy John Paradza should go through the same process if they are genuine," he said.
The minister's remarks have sparked a lively debate on social media, with many users seeking clarification on what exactly the NYS entails and why it could make it difficult for degree holders to secure employment without the certificate.
In response to queries, Minister Machakaire explained that the NYS programme aims to empower young people and provide them with a strong foundation in their identity, values, and history. "A young person cannot be fully developed if they are not firmly grounded in their identity, values and history," he said.
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