The recent interviews with young Zimbabweans reveal a pervasive sense of hopelessness and unemployment. Many express frustration over their inability to find stable jobs, leading them to crime and substance abuse. The government under Zanu PF is criticized for its policies that have caused widespread economic decline and a loss of hope among the youth, with no focus on creating jobs or improving living conditions.
On the occasion of Robert Gabriel Mugabe National Youth Day, a private radio station conducted interviews with young Zimbabweans who expressed feelings of hopelessness. During these discussions, individuals articulated their urgent need for jobs, acknowledging that unemployment has compelled many toward crime as a means of survival. One 37-year-old lamented, “The only time my life was okay was when I was young, when everything was being provided for me.”
This sense of disillusionment is prevalent among youths who have never held stable employment. Many resort to part-time jobs, underscoring a stark reality where formal job opportunities are virtually nonexistent. The government’s policies under Zanu PF have decimated formal employment, leading to the closure of major retailers and industries, capital flight, and a pervasive brain drain.
The overarching influence of Zanu PF reaches all aspects of society, from governance to media and sports, effectively crippling Zimbabwean communities. Engaging youths about participating in the electoral process often yields apathy; many believe their votes lack impact due to systemic rigging. Earlier election experiences have left them hesitant, as they observed candidates representing alternative interests unfairly lose to Zanu PF nominees.
The informal market now dominates as formal retail operations decline, triggering layoffs and a shifting economic landscape. Recent reports indicate a rising food poverty line, emphasizing the growing economic crisis. Individuals now need over US$50 monthly to meet basic food and non-food expenses; yet many youths lack any sustainable income to afford essentials.
Despite the looming economic challenges, discussions among government officials focus on extending President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term rather than creating jobs or revitalizing industries. Amidst escalating uncertainty, many youths have tragically turned to drug and substance abuse as a coping mechanism. This represents not only a lost generation but also a grave opportunity squandered for the future of Zimbabwe.
In summation, the struggles faced by Zimbabwean youths are emblematic of a disheartened generation grappling with unemployment and systemic failures imposed by the government. This deterioration of hope has led many towards crime and substance abuse, reflecting a dire need for actionable change rather than political maneuvering. Without initiatives aimed at job creation and industry revitalization, the future remains bleak for the country’s youth.
Original Source: www.newsday.co.zw
