Mnangagwa’s Congratulatory Message Rings Hollow Amidst Zimbabwe’s Youth Unemployment Crisis

By Senior Reporter

Harare-President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s congratulatory message to the latest batch of police graduates has been met with mixed reactions, particularly in light of the government’s recent decision to increase the retirement age of civil servants to 70. While the President’s words of encouragement and appreciation for the new recruits’ hard work and dedication are well-deserved, they cannot help but ring hollow in the face of the daunting challenges facing young graduates in Zimbabwe today.

The country’s job market is increasingly becoming a hostile environment, with more and more graduates pouring out of universities every year, only to find themselves without any employment guarantees. The statistics are grim: according to recent reports, Zimbabwe’s unemployment rate stands at over 90%, with the majority of those affected being young people. This has led to a growing sense of disillusionment and frustration among the youth, who feel that their future prospects are being mortgaged by the very people who are supposed to be creating opportunities for them.

Against this backdrop, the government’s decision to raise the retirement age of civil servants to 70 has been met with widespread criticism. Many argue that this move will only serve to further reduce the already limited job opportunities available to young people. By keeping older employees in the workforce for longer, the government is effectively blocking the entry points for new graduates, forcing them to remain in a state of limbo, unsure of what the future holds.

President Mnangagwa’s congratulatory message to the police graduates seems like a cruel irony. While the President may have been sincere in his praise for the new recruits, his words cannot help but be seen as tone-deaf, given the broader realities facing young people in Zimbabwe today. The fact remains that the government’s policies are not aligned with the needs and aspirations of the youth, and until this changes, the future prospects of young graduates will remain bleak.

The police force, which has various departments and units, including the Criminal Investigation Department, Traffic, and the Support Unit, may offer some job opportunities for the graduates. However, this is a drop in the ocean compared to the vast numbers of young people who are desperate for employment. What is needed is a comprehensive and sustainable solution to the youth unemployment crisis, one that addresses the root causes of the problem and provides real opportunities for young people to build their futures.

Until then, President Mnangagwa’s congratulatory messages will continue to ring hollow, a reminder of the government’s failure to deliver on its promises to the youth. The time for rhetoric is over; what is needed now is action, and a commitment to creating a brighter future for all Zimbabweans, regardless of age.

Meanwhile, there has been a chilling effect since the announcement by the United States of America to suspend aid to developing countries, Zimbabwe is not spared and the current economic landscape is threatening more lives including entrepreneurs and the private sector.

Circulation of money has since been reduced with most citizens pinning their hope on the golden leaf, as the Tobacco Auction Floors are set to pen on the 5th of this month

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