The Chronicle
Angela Sibanda, Chronicle Reporter
YOUTHS must not wait to be spoon fed but must instead find ways to raise capital to start projects so that funding from Government or other development partners becomes a bonus.
Bulilima East Member of Parliament who is also the Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndlovu said when youths raise their own funds, they usually work hard to ensure the projects succeed.
Minister Ndlovu was speaking after touring a youths garden project at Tjinjika Village in ward 21 which is being supported by elders from the village.
The youths are growing vegetables which they sell to locals and residents of a nearby shopping centre.
Minister Ndlovu said he and some non-governmental organisations had assisted youths in the area to start a number of income generating projects but unfortunately most of the projects were abandoned because the youths were not committed.
“If someone invest in something they will do whatever it takes to protect their investment and make sure that they achieve their intended goal.
This is why I am saying youths need to raise their own capital and approach Government or NGOs to boost this capital,” Minister Ndlovu said.
He said when the youths invest their own money in the projects they will not abandon them as what has happened in the past.
Ward 21 Youth chairperson Lorraine Moyo said they had already started saving income to fund new projects.
“We are budgeting for a water tank and we are taking seriously the advice from the Minister that we should take the initiative to raise money to fund our own projects as opposed to just waiting for Government or donors,” she said.
Ms Moyo admitted that a number of projects initiated by Minister Ndlovu and NGOs for the youths failed due to lack of commitment.
