Recent interviews during Robert Gabriel Mugabe National Youth Day showcased the despair of Zimbabwean youth struggling with unemployment and disillusionment with the political system. Many expressed a need for jobs to deter crime, with some questioning the effectiveness of voting due to perceived electoral corruption. The government’s failure to revitalize the economy has exacerbated poverty and led to increased substance abuse among youths, highlighting a lost generation in Zimbabwe.
Recent interviews conducted by a private radio station during the Robert Gabriel Mugabe National Youth Day have revealed a profound sense of hopelessness among Zimbabwean youth. Many expressed that they feel compelled to resort to crime due to lack of employment opportunities. One individual noted, “We want jobs so that some of us stop engaging in crime such as theft,” emphasizing the dire need for income sources.
As these youths lament their circumstances, one individual shared, “The only time my life was okay was when I was young,” highlighting the ongoing struggle to find meaningful employment at the age of 37, having never held a payslip. This sentiment is reflective of a generation that feels disillusioned and abandoned.
The situation in Zimbabwe has deteriorated under the ruling Zanu PF government, which has been criticized for its failure to provide formal job opportunities, resulting in the closure of major retailers, capital flight, and industry shutdowns. Many youths have been left reliant on informal employment, while the government’s policies have systematically undermined economic stability.
In conversations with today’s youth, the topic of voting has become increasingly futile in their eyes. Many feel that the electoral process is rigged, believing that their votes do not lead to genuine change. Notably, a youth stated, “It remains the same,” signifying their disillusionment with elections after witnessing Zanu PF candidates declared winners in 2018 despite overwhelming support for opposition candidates.
The current economic climate is grim, with rising living costs evident in statistics from the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency. An individual now requires approximately Z$1,263.86 to meet their basic needs. With the economy weakening, youths are feeling the pressures of rampant inflation and poverty, and many have turned to substance abuse as a means of escape from their grim realities.
Amidst this despair, there are discussions among Zanu PF members about extending President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term by two years, while issues pertaining to job creation and industry revival remain largely ignored. As the youth confront their challenges, many worry about their lost future and opportunities in a country plagued by economic stagnation.
The interviews highlight a generation of Zimbabwean youth facing significant economic challenges and disillusionment with the political process. The response from these young individuals reveals a growing sentiment of despair due to unemployment and a perceived lack of agency in the electoral system. With the economy continuing to decline and the government focused on power retention rather than job creation, the future for these young people appears increasingly bleak. The consequences are dire, with many resorting to crime and substance abuse as a means of coping.
Original Source: www.newsday.co.zw
