31/07/2017
THESE OLDER/OLD WAR VETERANS ARE THE YOUTHS OF THE 70s
A WORD FOR ZIMBABWEAN YOUTHS
1971 to 78 were the years in my opinion when the biggest number of Zimbabweans crossed into Mocambique, Zambia and Botswana to join and participate in the war of liberation. The majority of them were Youths in the 15-20 age category.
The phrase “aka crosser” (he/she crossed over) was common those days. If you did not see a friend or friends for two weeks you would find out sooner rather than later that they had crossed the border into one of these countries to join the armed struggle.
Rhodesian propaganda through its Ministry of Information was very effective and the majority of blacks ,me included, had actually been made to believe that Freedom fighters were terrorists and were to be regarded as enemies.
Even though a lot of ground work was laid through the ANC,ZAPU ZANU over many years, the larger section of the African population were not politicised, they still held white people in awe and were suspicious of any nationalistic talk. The banning of parties like Zanu and Zapu and the detention of such powerful nationalistic figures like, Joshua Nkomo, Ndabaningi Sithole, Robert Mugabe and many others affected the momentum that the nationalist movements had built.
The greatest ignition of nationalistic awakening or re awakening occurred around the year 1971 -72 when the British sought to implement the recommendations of what was then called the Pearce Commission. During this period Bishop Abel Muzorewa who was assigned to stand in for the nationalists who were in detention spear headed the “Say No” rallies all over the country, mobilising blacks to resist the Commission’s recommendations.
After the success of these rallies which saw protests and sometimes violent demonstration breaking out all over the country, a new movement of black Rhodesians, mostly youths who suddenly became aware of the need for self-emancipation from colonial rule was born.
There was an unprecedented wave of nationalistic sentiment and resolve to fight for the rights of black people all over the country. Thousands of young people abandoned their studies to go and join the war of liberation as they realised that pursuing an education in an environment where getting a job or pursuing any dream would be determined by the colour of one’s skin was an exercise in futility.
The ZANLA, ZIPRA armies which had a few hundred fighters by then saw their numbers ballooning to thousands mostly youths, the war of liberation escalated and was finally won.
These youths are the people who are now in their 50s,60s and 70s.
The simple truth is that they arose to the occasion and did something about the prevailing negative conditions. They got angry and committed themselves to fixing things even if it meant that they were doing it for future generations and they themselves would probably die or not benefit directly in the process.
We have a pathetic generation of youths today, their main focus is owning the latest smartphone so that they can spend hours on whatsapp, Instagram and Facebook trashing others, passing empty idiotic comments on useless issues and generally behaving like hypnotised zombies while hours ,weeks and days pass by. Their main objective in life is to be like JayZ, to wear the lowest drop pants or most revealing attire or take a meaningless non productive selfie by themelves or in the company of equally purposeless peers. They go to school and have no clue what will happen to them when they finish, they behave like they live on another planet and only come to Zimbabwe to visit. They have absolutely no interest in being involved in anything substantive, meaningful or determining in terms of shaping their own future. The only thing they will seek with all their energy is a passport because of the misinformed notion that if they go across the border or overseas all their problems will be over.
While Youths who join the National Youth programme are heavily criticised and have been given the name green Bombers for some of their overzealous behaviour, they are at least pursuing something that they believe will give them a future, the question is what are the rest of the Youths “bombing.”
According to the Zimbabwe 2012 population census, Zimbabwe has a YOUNG population.
Of the total population of 13 061 239, 77% consist of children and youth below 35 years of age. Youths aged 15-34 years number 4 702 046 which constitutes 36% of the national population and those aged between 15 -24 years are 20%. The youth aged 15-34 years constitute 56% of the economically active population.
This is according to the Zimbabwe Country Report for the 2014 Ministerial Conference on Youth Employment.
So 36% of the Zimbabwean population is made up of Youths in the 15-34 age group. There are over 4,700,00 youths in this group. At least over two million of these would be over eighteen and are eligible to vote. The question is how many are willing to do what it takes so as to take part in bringing or influencing positive change in the nation.
Any serious minded young person should be very interested in the direction that the affairs of their country are taking because obviously this will have a bearing on their future. Young people should be interested in the politics of their nation, they should scrutinize the leadership that is holding the reigns of power to see whether they are taking them and the nation in the right direction.
If they are not happy with a leader they should use the constitutional means at their disposal to ensure positive change.
Voting is one such instrument.
In a report titled, Framing the debate: Youth voter registration in Zimbabwe in preparation for 2018 elections, released on the eve of Independence Day, (RAU Research and Advocacy Unit) said.
“The youth make up about 41% of the eligible voters, but only constitute 14% of the registered voters in Zimbabwe. Thus, the youth are largely excluded from democratic governance processes. They vote in less numbers than older age groups and fewer young people stand as candidates in local and national elections,” RAU said.
“Zimbabwe also has a very large demographic youth bulge, with over 75% of the population under 35 years, which this has ramifications for policy and welfare of the young.”
Not taking part or having an interest in the decision making processes of one’s nation is suicidal.
It is a sure way to guarantee that one has no future or they do not have the kind of future they deserve or want.
Every young Zimbabwean should ask themselves what they are doing or can do so as to give their nation a future. Every youth should be taking part in something.
There is no need to break the law so as to achieve this, the constitution of this country allows for participation in debates, peaceful demonstrations and being part of other forum which have to do with creating awareness of one’s responsibilities in contributing to national development.
The reason why rogue elements in government and political circles always have their way is because of the deafening silence from those who should be saying something, in this case it is the youths.
This generation will be resented by the next for their failure to rise up to the occasion in terms of taking part in the processes that could change things in our nation for the better.
The simple question is, besides insulting others who are doing something for their country, making accusations, creating endless stupid jokes and generally living a life of managing crises which you did not create, what positive activity are you as a young person involved in so as to help determine the destiny of your nation?
Simple things you can do
(1) Make sure you are registered to vote in 2018
(2) Follow the political events and politicians of your nation so that you understand why we are where we are, who is responsible so that you can make good choices when you vote.
(3) Absolutely abstain from any violent activity and discourage others who do so, empty headed barbarians who cannot provide solutions to problems resort to violence.
(4) You know a young person who is being manipulated or influenced by some devilish politician to commit acts of terror and violence talk to them and help them realise that sooner or later they will reap the negative fruit of their activities and should not be used.
(4) If you are a Christian be part of a group that intercedes deeply for the nation, no one should call themselves Christians if they do not believe in a devil who hates peace and prosperity. He will send his demons to inspire hate, ethnic divisions, murder and violence. He is the influence behind all the violence and murders. Prayer is a powerful tool in bringing about positive change in a nation.
(5) Do not be afraid of having political ambitions, they say politics is a dirty game because we have allowed dirty people to play it. It is time for honest, peace-loving, hardworking men and women of integrity to join the game and make it clean.
(6)Take ownership of your country, do not allow any bully to make you feel like a half citizen, God put you where you are, you belong here, you are a Zimbabwean with all the rights which come with it, regardless of race or tribe.
(7) Refuse to be a victim of fear, right will always triumph over wrong, have faith in God ask for his protection always and he will protect you as you avail yourself as an instrument of positive change in your nation.
Remember that the Robert Mugabes, Joshua Nkomos, Ndabaningi Sitholes, Abel Muzorewas and all the politicians, activists and liberations heroes did what they felt was best for their nation in their time, mistakes and all, how about you?
DO NOT LET ANYONE DESPISE THE DAYS OF YOUR YOUTH,ESPECIALLY YOUR CHILDREN AND THEIR CHILDREN!
