Veep challenges the youth to be productive

Vice-President Saulosi Chilima has reiterated the need to challenge youths to refrain from immoral behaviour and instead use their knowledge and skills to contribute to the country’s development.

Chilima said this on Saturday at Senior Chief Makwangwala’s Mvimbo Headquarters in Ntcheu when he presided over the Makwangwala Chieftaincy Centenary celebration since the death of Golden Makwangwala in 1915.

The Vice-President expressed concern over increasing reports of youth’s misconduct, saying such immoral behaviour is counterproductive .

“It is sad to note that most youths indulge themselves in drug and alcohol abuse under the pretext of being unemployed,” he said.

While agreeing that the country’s unemployment rate is high, Chilima assured the youth that government is doing everything possible to address the situation.

“The country relies on the involvement of the youth in the country’s development as such youths should be proactive in creating jobs while other players such as government continue to put in place mechanisms to reduce  unemployment ,” he said.

Earlier, Minister of Sports and Culture Grace Chiumia said government is committed to promoting Ngoni which she said is not spoken by most of the Ngonis.

She then called on Ngoni chiefs to introduce Ngoni language lessons in their areas to ensure that the language is resuscitated.

In their remarks, Paramount Chief Gomani V and Senior Chief Makwangwala advised  Maseko Ngoni descendants to practice and observe pillars of the Ngoni culture which they said promote love and unity among  Ngonis and other tribes.

Golden Makwangwala shot himself dead on January 27 1915 during the John Chilembwe up-rising as he was being hunted down by the British for allegedly rebelling.—Mana