Conrad Mupesa in Mhangura
RESIDENTS of the former mining town of Mhangura have hailed the Government’s Command Agriculture initiative for bringing food security and creating jobs for youths. The residents, who have been failing to make ends meet since the closure of the copper mining giant some 18 years ago, have said the Command Agriculture programme did not only bring food security but employment to their youths.
Mhangura District Zanu-PF youths chairman Cde Joseph Bakasa said the job creation aspect shows that President Robert Mugabe has the youths at heart.
“President Mugabe promised us jobs and it is evident through Command Agriculture initiative that millions are benefiting countrywide. Here in Mhangura, since the mine closed 18 years ago, no jobs were being created, but as we speak, youths are getting jobs at the Grain Marketing Board, Cotton Company of Zimbabwe and many other agriculture-related companies,” said Bakasa. This year, Mhangura GMB depot received 6 000 tonnes, which is the highest ever intake of maize since time immemorial. The loading of 45 stakes has created jobs for many youths.
There is also a stake of soyabean that is being loaded by youths. It is envisaged that when the grain will be relocated the youths, will also be employed. The increase in the Presidential Cotton Input schemes has also been cited by many residents as a positive move in employment creation. An increase in the number of inputs distribution points has so far seen more youths getting employed.
Cottco Chinhoyi depot manager Mr John Kata was recently quoted as saying many youths in Mhangura were to be employed by his organisation and related downstream industries.
“In Mhangura alone, more than 10 points have been established this year from last year’s one point. In essence, these points will also serve as our buying point next year and this means we will have an increase in the number of people working in the distribution of inputs and buying of cotton,” he said. Eneressi Phiri, a Mhangura resident, thanked the Government for the programmes, saying hundreds of youths were employed.
“A lot of Mhangura youths are unemployed since there are no industries. Many have been engaging in criminal activities, but through the Command Agriculture programme, they have since found solace at the GMB depot, where they are being accommodated as loaders and general hands,” she said.