APM urges youths to be innovative
President Peter Mutharika has urged youths in the country to have entrepreneurial minds so as to create employment for fellow youths.
Speaking at the opening of Milonga Technical College in Thyolo on Saturday, Mutharika said the country can only develop if it invests in skilled labour force, adding his government remains determined to empower the youth with requisite skills.
Said the President: “I want you to start your own businesses and employ your fellow youths.”
In his speech, Mutharika hailed the rural electrification programme, saying it is helping youths start small-scale businesses that rely on electricity.
However, before Mutharika spoke, things took an interesting turn when DPP regional governor for the South Charles Mchacha warned the party’s youth director Louis Ngalande for openly supporting Vice-President Saulos Chilima for the presidency.
Mchacha also had no kind words for former first lady Callista Mutharika, who was the first to openly endorse Chilima as DPP torchbearer in next year’s tripartite elections.
Said Mchacha: “The former first lady must respect us so that we respect her, too. Ngalande must also be careful. This issue started in a stupid way. What they are doing is provoking you Your Excellency and it is childish.
“As a party, that is hurting us. DPP has rules and they must be respected. We are going to respond soon at a political rally.”
But, unlike Mchacha, Mutharika said he would not speak on any issues other than development.
In his address, Minister of Labour, Sports, Youth and Manpower Development Francis Kasaila said he was pleased that the ministry is now being prioritised after being sidelined in the past.
On his part, Paramount Chief Ngolongoliwa, while applauding government for the community technical colleges initiative, asked Mutharika not to respond to his critics and focus on development.
Government is constructing community technical colleges in all districts across the country to train youths in vocational skills.
Milonga Community Technical College will be offering training in plumbing, carpentry, bricklaying, tailoring, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT). n
