• 15 Feb, 2024
  • Margaret Kamba
  • 3295 Reads

What our leaders did transporsed to what we are supposed to: Cde Togarepi

By Margaret Kamba 


As we continue to count down to the National Youth Day, we reflect on the background of how it all began.


In this interview ZANU PF Chief Whip in the Parliament Cde Pupurai Togarepi takes us back memory lane as he was once the ZANU PF Secretary for Youth Affairs.


"The National Youth Day was a culmination of the youth then, of recognizing our icons. Those who sacrificed for our freedom. We were saying, in our lifetime in our way, we would want to emulate those. Maybe we won't have a chance to carry guns, but we are looking at economic development, social services and many other areas that we influence as youths," Cde Togarepi said.


"When you are youth, you should have your own role models. So the late National Hero Cde Robert Mugabe, His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Vice President Chiwenga, the leaders we have today are our role models.


"During the youth day, we look at what they achieved for this country. What did Cde Mohadi do for this country for the freedom and emancipation of the people of Zimbabwe. So we will be trying to make all youth focus on the good, the sacrifice, the commitment our leaders had for us to be where we are, then every youth in whatever endeavor they are, be it in business or school. They will be saying in my own area can I also achieve what was achieved by my leaders. If I am a teacher, am I teaching well so that pupils will succeed. If I am a doctor, am I performing well for the patients. If I am a farmer, am I producing to fight hunger. If I am an entrepreneur, what am I doing to bring development to the country.


"It's wholesome. Taking people from different walks of life and saying we had people before us who sacrificed and fought to liberate Zimbabwe and they did theirs because of the circumstances then. What about today? We have circumstances that invite the youth of today to contribute to the development and growth of Zimbabwe. That's about the Youth Day. That's the main focus. What our leaders did transporsed to what we are supposed to do today so that Zimbabwe moves forward."