Zimbabwe's government just hired more than a thousand graduates from its youth service program—a scheme critics say creates Zanu PF attack dogs. Information Minister Jenfan Muswere announced that 1,077 young people who finished the six-month training will work in government institutions, including security forces.
The program started under Robert Mugabe but stopped because of money problems. President Mnangagwa brought it back last May with plans to train 100,000 youths within five years. According to Muswere, it's already showing "positive dividends" for young people. These first graduates will fill positions at state-funded colleges, public service, military units, government companies, plus special projects like road repairs and borehole drilling schemes.
Some graduates have already signed up for additional skills training at vocational centers across the country. The Zanu PF government also requires vocational certificates for youth trying to access loans from Empower Bank. Opposition groups claim these trained youths become ruling party enforcers who terrorize citizens to advance Zanu PF interests. Government officials deny teaching party propaganda, insisting the program only teaches patriotism, national identity, and volunteering spirit.
The program started under Robert Mugabe but stopped because of money problems. President Mnangagwa brought it back last May with plans to train 100,000 youths within five years. According to Muswere, it's already showing "positive dividends" for young people. These first graduates will fill positions at state-funded colleges, public service, military units, government companies, plus special projects like road repairs and borehole drilling schemes.
Some graduates have already signed up for additional skills training at vocational centers across the country. The Zanu PF government also requires vocational certificates for youth trying to access loans from Empower Bank. Opposition groups claim these trained youths become ruling party enforcers who terrorize citizens to advance Zanu PF interests. Government officials deny teaching party propaganda, insisting the program only teaches patriotism, national identity, and volunteering spirit.
