ZANU PF Mash West youth chair speaks on Heroes, Defence Forces commemorations

Richard MupondeZimpapers Politics HubAS Zimbabwe prepares to commemorate Heroes’ and Defence Forces’ holidays on August 11 and 12, the ZANU PF Youth League in Mashonaland West has called for national unity, patriotism and the active participation of young people in shaping the country’s future.In an interview, ZANU PF Mashonaland West Youth chairperson Cde Tapiwanashe Masenda said the commemorations were not just a time to remember fallen heroes, but a call to action for young Zimbabweans to defend and develop the country’s hard-won independence.“Heroes Day reminds us that the freedom we enjoy came through sacrifice. It’s time for the youth to rise, not with weapons, but with ideas, innovation, and loyalty to the nation,” said Cde Masenda.He said the youth wing will mobilise thousands of its members across the province to participate in the national events, which will be held under the theme: “Honouring Our Heroes, Defending Zimbabwe’s Sovereignty”.“We’re not just mobilising attendance; we’re educating our peers on the significance of the liberation struggle and why we must carry that legacy with discipline and dignity,” he said.Cde Masenda dismissed recent social media narratives branding Zimbabwe’s youth as politically disengaged, saying the ZANU PF Youth League is deeply involved in developmental issues such as land utilisation, skills development and entrepreneurship.“Young people are not just waiting for handouts. We’re in mining, farming, tech start-ups, and with the support of Government initiatives like the Youth Empowerment Bank, we’re moving from survival to success,” he said.The Youth League, Cde Masenda said, remains “an inclusive vehicle” for all patriotic youth, regardless of background.“We are ZANU PF, but we’re also Zimbabwean.

Our goal is to uplift every youth who wants to see Zimbabwe rise,” he concluded.Heroes and Defence Forces Days are national holidays that honour the country’s liberation war veterans and the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, both pillars of independence and national security since Independence.Share on FacebookPost on XFollow usSave

Originally published on Zimbabwe Herald

Source: Zimbabwe Herald