A tragic accident has cast a pall over celebrations marking Africa Youth Day and President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Youth Empowerment Forum in Mutasa.
A student from Nyangani High School in Nyanga died, and fifteen others were injured when their minibus overturned near Selborne, Makoni district, while en route to the event on Thursday.
The accident occurred at the 62km peg on the Mutare-Juliasdale Road, a stretch known for its steep inclines. According to National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi, the driver of the Toyota Hiace minibus lost control, causing the vehicle to overturn and land on its side. “The body of the victim is at Bonda Mission Hospital while the injured are admitted at the same hospital and Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital in Mutare,” Commissioner Nyathi confirmed.
The incident raises serious questions about the organisation and safety measures surrounding the youth event. The Ministry of Youth, led by Tinoda Machakaire, had set an ambitious target of 10,000 attendees from across the country at Magamba Vocational Youth Training Centre in Mutasa district.
Reports suggest that many schools were directed to send learners to the forum, raising concerns about the level of parental consent and the safety protocols in place for transporting such a large number of students. Some parents have reportedly expressed their anger at not being informed about the trip.
The event itself, billed as a “Youth Empowerment Forum,” was promoted by President Mnangagwa on X (formerly Twitter) ahead of time. He stated his intention to “engage with our young leaders on new business opportunities” and announced plans to “commission key projects and hand over 53 motorbikes to boost youth outreach.”
However, the event also drew criticism for its overtly political nature. Reports indicate that the youths, including schoolchildren, were made to chant Zanu PF slogans. President Mnangagwa himself reportedly led the crowd in these chants before delivering his speech, with some schoolchildren participating. This politicisation of a youth event intended to focus on empowerment has sparked debate and controversy.
