SADC Anti-Sanctions Day: Youths discuss economic impact and homegrown solutions

Story by Memory Chamisa

A public lecture in Harare for the SADC Anti-Sanctions Day commemorations has called on young people to deepen their understanding of the socioeconomic impact of sanctions on Zimbabwe and the measures the country is taking to address the restrictions.

The dialogue examined the socioeconomic consequences of sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by Western countries, with discussions focusing on economic constraints, development efforts and strategies to sustain growth.

The engagement also sought to equip young people with information on the origins and effects of the sanctions.

‘’Today was very informative. I have learnt that since the inception of the illegal sanctions, Zimbabwe has come up with what is called sanction busters that have resulted in governance, economic reforms, and engagement with the international community,’’ a young person said.

‘’Such engagements are needed, especially for us youths, to understand what these sanctions have done. Sometimes we are misinformed, yet it’s not true, but today I have learned a lot, and I’m now going to inform my peers also,’’ another young person said.

‘’I have learnt that sanctions are unjust, illegal and detrimental not only to Zimbabwe’s socio-economic development, but also to regional economic integration and cooperation,’’ a young person said.

Steering the dialogue, ZANU PF Youth League National Deputy Political Commissar Cde Taurai Kandishaya highlighted domestic resource mobilisation, heritage-based innovation and Education 5.0 as approaches being pursued to sustain economic development despite the restrictions.

‘’This year’s theme, Inclusive Development through Heritage-Based Innovation and Industrialisation in a Multilateral World, resonates well with what the Second Republic under the leadership of President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa has achieved despite the sanctions. The President has come up with homegrown solutions to circumvent these challenges through his mantra of Nyoka inovakwa neVene vati,” he said.

“It is also imperative for these young ones to understand where these sanctions emanated from, the reasons why we were placed under sanctions, and the effects that they have had on Zimbabwe’s economy. Moreover, they also need to understand that yes, sanctions are there, but that has not stopped the development of the country and its economy through the President’s re-engagement and engagement drive,’’ Cde Kandishaya added.

The public lecture was part of the annual SADC Anti-Sanctions Day commemorations held on October 25, which promote regional solidarity with Zimbabwe over sanctions imposed by the United States, the European Union and their allies.

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