Youth Despair in Zimbabwe: A Nation of Lost Opportunities and Hopelessness

Recent interviews with Zimbabwean youths during a commemorative event reveal a deep sense of hopelessness due to unemployment and disillusionment with the political system. Many young individuals feel their only option is crime, as they perceive voting as futile. Heightened economic strain exacerbates their challenges, prompting a decline in mental well-being and reliance on substances for solace.

Last Friday, a private radio station conducted interviews with youth during the Robert Gabriel Mugabe National Youth Day commemorations, revealing a sense of hopelessness among the participants. Many of these young individuals expressed their desperation, stating, “We want jobs so that some of us stop engaging in crime such as theft.” Unemployment has driven them to consider criminal activities as their only option for survival.

Additionally, a 37-year-old interviewee lamented, “The only time my life was okay was when I was young, when everything was being provided for me. Now I am 37 years old, and I don’t know what it means to be employed.” Such sentiments indicate a disillusioned generation struggling against a backdrop of unemployment and limited opportunities.

The current environment reflects the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front’s (Zanu PF) failure to provide formal job opportunities. The government has overseen closures of industries and a reduction in formal employment options, resulting in widespread disillusionment among the youth. Many have turned to informal labor as a temporary solution, yet the stability of this sector is increasingly in question.

Moreover, the prevailing political climate has disenfranchised young voters, who feel that their participation will not yield genuine change. They recounted experiences from the 2018 elections, stating that despite voting against Zanu PF candidates, the results indicated otherwise. This sense of futility exacerbates their disconnection from the political process.

Economic conditions further compound their challenges. According to the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency, the poverty line continues to rise, illustrating the increasing cost of living. An individual now necessitates approximately ZiG1,263.86, or around US$50, to meet basic needs, highlighting the severe economic strain that leaves many youths without the means to provide for themselves.

In the midst of this turmoil, discussions are focused primarily on extending President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s tenure rather than addressing the critical need for employment creation and industrial growth. Such political maneuvers distract from the urgent necessity for job generation and economic revitalization.

As a result of these circumstances, many youths are resorting to substance abuse as a form of coping mechanism, reflecting a lost generation that faces an uncertain future. This situation signifies a tragic reality for many young Zimbabweans who were once hopeful about their prospects.

The plight of Zimbabwean youth underscores a deep sense of hopelessness stemming from unfulfilled employment opportunities and disillusionment with the political system. With escalating economic challenges and no clear path to recovery or job creation, many young individuals are driven to desperate measures. This situation demands urgent attention to ensure a viable future for the youth of Zimbabwe, emphasizing the need for economic revitalization and political reform. The continued governance by Zanu PF without a focus on critical issues such as job creation only perpetuates their despair, making it essential for leadership to pivot towards constructive solutions that empower the youth.

Original Source: www.newsday.co.zw