National Youth day Preparatory meeting National Youth Day celebrations set to take place at ZIEC in Bulawayo on Friday will be an inclusive event, open to all regardless of political affiliation, with preparations about 90 percent complete, the Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Deputy Minister Kudakwashe Mupamhanga has said. The celebrations, which are set to be presided over by President Mnangagwa, are expected to attract over 20 000 youths from across the country, running under the theme: “Empower youth, Secure the future.” The National Youth Day indeed has its origins from ZANU PF and is also known as the 21st February Movement, which also coincided with the late President Cde R.G Mugabe’s birthday. However, under the Second Republic, this day was made a national holiday and is inclusive of all youths in Zimbabwe and beyond. Our emphasis is on unity of all toiling people across the political, religious, and racial divide. The Permanent Secretary for Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Mr S Mhlanga also addressed what is expected to be witnessed on the youth day. He said, "on the 20th we will start with a clean up campaign which aims to keep the country clean and healthy supervised by the Environment Management Authority (EMA), who have launched several cleanup campaigns. This clean up campaign will be led by the youth service in Zimbabwe from 7am to 10am. On the exhibitions stands, we are going to be having Youth empowerment consultations strategies which are structured activities that allow young people to share their opinions on issues that affect them. The results of these consultations can help with informed decisions about programs and activities that impact young people. Youths will be housed, contributing to the National strategies. Mr Mhlanga said, "there is going to be an information stand that will be giving out enlightenment about Youth Service Zimbabwe and there is need to Inculcate among the youth values of patriotism, discipline, national identity, service and civic responsibility, youths who will understand where this country came from and where we are going," he said. This is the opportunity to showcase the Youth Service in Zimbabwe (YSZ). In line with the Cabinet directive which requires that holders of the Youth Service in Zimbabwe certificate be given priority to all State institutions and appointments in public service and State enterprises. The digital skills exhibition stand will be there its goal being to equip 3,5million of young people with digital skills, the digital training program will be undertaken by youths at the comfort of their homes. This program is being done in collaboration with the United Arab Emirates. "On the main day, the exhibition will continue and delegates will go and appreciate it. The keynote address will be addressed by His Excellency the President of Zimbabwe and there are a lot of local artists lined up for the 21st program", Mr Ncube concluded. The meeting was attended by ZANU-PF Youth League Chairman Cde Freedom Murechu, Secretary for Transport Cde Mugabe, Secretary for Education Cde Tsitsi, Youth league Secretary for Transport Cde Lindani Sibanda, Bulawayo Province CZLWVA Vice Chairman Cde Sam Mupedziswa, Deputy Minister of Youth Hon K Mupamhanga, Mr Paul Nyoni Permanent Secretary for Provincial and Devolution Bulawayo, Permanent Secretary Ministry of youth Empowerment, development and vocational training Mr S Mhlanga and Senior Government officials from line ministries. https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaasbIG2UPBDgfC2Ge3b