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PYD responds to the Ministry of Youth Loan disbursement
Platform for Youth Development
November 12, 2010

Serious questions have been raised in response to the loan scheme introduced by the Ministry of Youth Development, Indigenization and Empowerment. Whilst the programme was put into place to capacitate the young people in a bid to improve their welfare, it has come to pass that this opportunity has provided an avenue for political rejuvenation of defunct political structures in particular ZANU PF hegemony.

Platform for Youth Development (PYD) notes with concern that the process for one to access a government loan is riddled with bureaucracy and Red tape, making it virtually impossible for many young people particularly those found in the rural areas to access the loan. It is painful to reveal that this process has therefore become discriminatory, restrictive and wearisome. Interested candidates are expected to get a form at the government offices, which must be filled and approval by two youth officers. Further to that the interested candidate would submit the forms together with a project proposal for vetting and verifications. One of the major requirements for the candidate to be successful is collateral security.

While from a non critical assessment the loan facility may appear empowering, it is not the case unless one is well connected and prepared to endure the protocols. What have been of much concern to the PYD are basically two requirements, the need for collateral as well as the need for approval from youth officers. The youth officers here referred to, are those structures set by the Ministry of Youth during the volatile political episodes from 2000.Despite the introduction of the government of national unity these youth officers remain located in political structures set to benefit ZANU PF maneuverings of retaining power. The philosophy of these Border Gezi graduates is heavily criticized across the progressive civic society movement. There is compelling evidence against these graduates who have left a trail of destruction stretching back to the Land invasion and all the national elections (Presidential and Parliamentary) held since the year 2000. For obvious reasons, a requirement to get approval from this group is problematic. A speculation to suggest that these controversial youths are being recognized and rewarded in preparation for a violent 2011 election campaign is not easy to challenge. For long the mention of Border Gezi graduates would cause one's blood to cuddle, it means that this new role (of signing for approving of applicants) is a camouflage to sanitize them and side step the accusation that the graduates are a menace to a peaceful Zimbabwe. As a matter of fact, these so called youth officers are busy seeking for bribes that are very unreasonable should one need their signatures. The process has introduced corruption and patronage. We have cases of some youth members who were promised that if they change their political views and buy ZANU PF cards they are assured of getting the loan. Fully aware that we are operating with a government of national unity, we call upon the two MDC formations to ensure that the loan facility is handled with inclusivity and transparency.

PYD is also concerned with the requirement for the applicant to have collateral security or that the applicant must be managing a viable business. This requirement for collateral security has taken all the space for a quality project proposal. A closer look at the standard of living of the young people in view of poverty levels and high unemployment, collateral security requirement becomes incongruent and ironic. Most of those who are able to provide collateral are having well to do business and should therefore not become the primary focus of this empowerment loan. Most of the young people we represent remain excluded from important issues of national discourse. The requirement for collateral security is defacing the much awaited opportunity to address the needs for the young people. When Minister Biti announced the 2010 budget and provided for this youth-loan facility, all celebrated with hope.Infact Minister Biti defined his budget as pro- poor, broad based and an inclusive development framework intended to address the plight of women and youth. The Youth Ministry is questionable in the way they are handling the disbursement of the loan. The system in place raises more questions than answers, for it is evidently benefiting the corrupt and political strong at the expense of the most deserving. The requirements make it difficult for our young person who resides in the rural areas to access the loan facility. There is greater need to address this disparity. We feel excluded somewhere in the process for there is no celebrating a promise for the loan never meant to be for the vulnerable and most deserving.

As a way forward PYD proposes

• That the award for the loan must emphasize more on the quality of the project and its viability rather than collateral security
• That a reasonable percentage of the loan is reserved for youths found in the rural areas where poverty levels, unemployment and access to empowering information are a challenge. Should there be need for further training, the option is welcome.
• That the Border Gezi Youth Officers be removed from the equation of approving loans and instead be replaced by a more professional administration agreed upon by youth stakeholders.
• That the Ministry of Youth actively convinces the young people that they are transparent in the disbursement of the loan facility.

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