Paul Nyathi|The late Former President Robert Mugabe’s demise began with what he called Youth Interface rallies that saw young suffering Zimbabweans, even within ZANU PF, get a chance to express and vent their anger on him.
Perhaps Mugabe thought that by meeting with the youth he would be able to appease them at a time of economic meltdown.
As it turned out, the rallies were never about interfacing and hearing the plight of youths but were a disguised initiative to target the enemy, Mnangagwa and other ZANU PF cadres with impeccable liberation war records by the G40 cabal in their succession agenda.
This time, a beleaguered incumbent, Emmerson Mnangagwa appears to be going exactly the same way as he begins to hold similar Youth Interface Rallies.
Mnangagwa will hold a Zanu-PF National Youth Interface rally at Rimuka Stadium in Kadoma tomorrow which might weigh on him exactly the same way as did the November 6 2017 youth rally in Bulawayo on Mugabe.
According to the youth league, Mnangagwa will address the youths on various issues, including economic challenges and party programmes ahead of the forthcoming Zanu-PF 18th National People’s Conference set for Goromonzi next month.
In a statement, published in the state media, the Zanu-PF Youth League national commissar Godfrey Tsenengamu said: “Notice is hereby given of the Zanu-PF National Youth Convention which shall be held on Wednesday 27th of November 2019 in Kadoma, Mashonaland West Province, where Zanu-PF First Secretary and President Cde E.D Mnangagwa shall be the guest of honour.
“The gathering provides youths with an opportunity to interact with the President and share ideas on how Zimbabwe can be developed.
“This interaction also provides an opportunity for youths to appreciate and exploit economic opportunities at their disposal and is a chance not to be missed.”
“We are also appealing to the main leadership of the party across the provinces to support and help the youths in making this event a success.
“We are also expecting students from all tertiary institutions to attend the convention and are appealing to the authorities to help the students in travelling to Kadoma,” said Cde Tsenengamu.
Invitations have also been extended to mining and agriculture groups; young entrepreneurs and environmentalists; and churches, among others.
Chairman Vengai Musengi said about 25 000 youths were expected on the day.
“We have conducted meetings in Kadoma, Chegutu West, Chakari, and Chegutu East, among others, and we are expecting more than 25 000 youths to attend.
“We have currently received 30 buses from Zupco as Mashonaland West and we expect other provinces to mobilise people as well.
“Mashonaland West youths have also brought forth issues they want the President to address, which include unemployment, and some want him to address land distribution as well as mining claims and other issues,” said Musengi.
Additional reporting: Herald