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The Youth Vote as the Deciding Factor; A Turning Point in the Zimbabwe 2023 Harmonized

In the realm of Zimbabwean politics, the nation’s youth population has traditionally been ignored and disregarded. However, as the 2023 Harmonized Elections loom, there is mounting evidence suggesting a dramatic shift. It is undeniable that the youth vote has the potential to be the deciding factor in these crucial elections, finally giving the younger generation a long-awaited voice in shaping the future of their country. Zimbabwe has an adult population of 8,052,216 (ZimStat census report 2022) and registered voters amount to 6 619 690 which is 72% (ZEC Delimitation Report 2023). ERC AFRICA Youth Preparations to Vote in the 2023 Harmonised Elections Report notes that 71% of the youths are registered to Vote ZEC notes that 2765190 (41.7%) of the electorate are Youths. In 2008 only 8% of the youths voted, increment to 22% in 2013 and finally to 44% in 2018. Based on this data and historical trends, we can expect a projected increase in youth voter turnout of approximately 66% thus 1825...
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E-Creator: An Online Ponzi Scheme Exposing Youth Unemployment in Zimbabwe

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Ponzi schemes have been a longstanding menace plaguing societies around the world, taking advantage of vulnerable individuals in their desperate pursuit of financial stability. In Zimbabwe, where youth unemployment rates have reached alarming levels, online Ponzi schemes have emerged as a cunning predator, preying on the dreams and hopes of the nation's young population. I pen this to shed light on one such scheme, E-Creator, and explore the underlying factors that have made Zimbabwean youth particularly susceptible to these fraudulent endeavors.   Zimbabwe has been grappling with a severe job crisis, with youth unemployment rates soaring to over 70%. Driven by increasing poverty and limited opportunities, many young Zimbabweans have turned to the promise of quick riches through online Ponzi schemes. Among these, E-Creator emerged as one of the most notorious.   E-Creator promised a lucrative financial platform, enticing unemployed youth to invest their meager savings ...
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Controlling the Narrative: Understanding Propaganda and Reality in Zimbabwe's Political Landscape

 In Electoral politics there’s need to control the Narrative. The narrative can be a propaganda tool that is powerful. It becomes effective when the target believes in the narrative. The narrative can be based on a lie and vividly sold to the people who buys it. It is strengthened by continuous repetition so that the audience start to believe so. In Zimbabwe ZANU PF have mastered this art. It backs date to the liberation struggle. The is a famous liberation statement that was used by Robert Mugabe, “ Victory is Certain.” This was dummy sold when ZANLA forces suffered grossly from Rhodesian forces attack. Through the alternative Radio Mozambique, Mugabe would deny that they attacked their solders but say it’s a civilian camp. To strengthen the Narrative, a gaudy counter attack would be done. Just as the attack on the fuel bases in Harare. The idea of the narrative have seen its links from trainings in Russia and China. If you look at these governments approach to information, laws ...
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The Civic Space: unpacking the constitutional provisions and realities in Zimbabwe

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Transparency International defines civic space as “the freedom and means to speak, access information, associate, organise, and participate in public decision-making”. CIVICUS notes that “Civic space is the bedrock of any open and democratic society. When civic space is open, citizens and civil society organisations are able to organise, participate and communicate without hindrance.” The is common understanding that Civic space is based on three fundamental pillars namely (i) Freedom of Association, (ii) Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and (iii) Freedom of Expression. These freedoms are enshrined in the Constitution of Zimbabwe stipulated as RIGHTS. For this discussion, Civic Space is the human environment which enables citizens to come together, share their interests & concerns and act individually & collectively to influence & shape their future. The Constitution of Zimbabwe was enacted by the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment No. 20 Act, which was gazetted as law o...
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Location: Masvingo, Zimbabwe
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Learning from the past towards meaningful youth participation in HIV and AIDS in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is a nation that has celebrated the decline in HIV prevalence among its population. A number of progressive initiatives were taken to fight the epidemic. However, these strides were done by adults and at large for adults. This has created a big gap and challenge for young people especially those living with HIV. The progressive initiatives only lacked to target young people living with HIV and those affected with HIV. HIV prevalence for the nation has declined, however the story is not the same for among young people. Issues relating to Stigma and Discrimination, HIV myths, Inaccessible ARVs, Non Existence of PMTCT, Uncompassionate health staff and related trauma are the biggest barriers for young people living with HIV and stand as hindrance for HTC behavior among young people. This paper want to focus on the gaps that needs action informed by the past and the present situation for positive living among young people living with HIV. The first cases of AIDS in Zimbabw...
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Location: Masvingo, Zimbabwe
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Stringent economic instability impact on youths living and affected with HIV

The current economic instability notably through the rise the prices of basic commodities, transport and medicine has a regrettable and dangerous impact on young people living with HIV. Although the government through its current economic polices argues we have to suffer now to enjoy later. I believe for those living with HIV it is now a matter of acquiring AIDS and regrettably to death. The government policy that one bond is equal to the US dollar needs us to remind the government that it is a lie. Mr Ncube should understand that, the policy has affected the accessibility and availability of fuel. The government said it had allocated US$70 million for fuel, which however did not quench the demand. The government even provided US$20 million more but the fuel situation still has not changed. This has negatively impacted he cost of acquiring health services. The transport cost have doubled and is now limited as many of the transport providers are failing to get fuel regularly. My q...
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The role of youths in the political quagmire of Zimbabwe

I have been keen to unpack the role youths have in the historic political trajectory of Zimbabwe. The fall of Mugabe`s 37 year rule is but one historic event that will be booked in the texts of history. My appetite is the contribution of youths to this position. The landscape I will give will bring a lot of us to loggerheads as my lenses are not to please anyone but unpack our role in the history to be captured. We should understand that we have Youth-in-ZANU PF who were aligned to Doctor Amai. We should not forget youths from Civil Society. Our minds should not even forget various movements by youths spanning from Itai Dzamara to the unleashed movements. However, it is faithful to note that the factional politics of ZANU PF and unprecedented tackling of the succession issue is and will remain the primary cause of the end to Mugabe rule. In ZANU PF youths have been the vehicle to ouster G40s enemies or perceived competitors to succession of the presidency. Whilst, the G40 was blen...
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