Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka, [email protected]
WAR veterans are the “unbreakable foundation” of Zimbabwe’s revolutionary struggle, and their return to the party fold represents a commitment to defending the nation’s sovereignty.
Zanu-PF Bulawayo provincial chairman, Cde Jabulani Sibanda, said this on Tuesday while welcoming 90 members who joined the ruling party under the Dzokai Kumusha/Buyani Ekhaya (Come Home) programme at a gathering organised by the Zimbabwe Indigenous Miners Association (ZIMA).
He said war veterans remain bound by a sacred oath to the struggle, noting that while some may have been led astray by temporary grievances, ‘home remains home’ for the liberators of the nation.
The group included 65 war veterans and 25 former opposition members led by UK-based politician and lawyer, Cde Pardon Tapfumaneyi, who once contested as an independent candidate for the Mpopoma/Mzilikazi constituency.
“War veterans are the foundation of the struggle. They are bound by an oath to defend it. Over time, some may live in different areas and begin to see things differently. However, we always knew they would return,” said Cde Sibanda.
“They may have had grievances that were slow to be addressed, but now they know the truth — home is home.
“Zanu-PF is more than just a party, it is a revolutionary and an independent responsibility.”
Cde Sibanda emphasised that the party is steering the nation toward economic independence and beneficiation of resources.
“We must be able to mine our own gold and refine it here to increase its value. We must control our resources so that we don’t merely depend on others, but trade with them as equals,” he said.
“Regarding the others who joined us — they are Zimbabweans. What makes me happy is that everyone is coming back to the party and understands that this party fought for our freedom, and now we are fighting for our economic independence.”
Speaking at the same event, Coordinator of the Dzokai Kumusha/ Buyani Ekhaya programme in the Commissariat department, Cde Blessing Chebundo, revealed that between 250 000 and 300 000 former opposition members had joined Zanu-PF.
“That part of our history is complete; we have achieved liberation and independence. Now, our focus is on development,” Cde Chebundo said.
“The ideology of the party and the country must drive our developmental thrust. We need those who started the liberation struggle to be part of this journey, ensuring Zimbabwe realises its full potential.”
Cde Chebundo emphasised that the veterans are the “guarantors” of the nation’s original goals.
“You cannot separate the war veterans from this process. The President’s call is to ‘leave no one behind.’ How can you leave the veterans behind? They are the ones who started it all,” he said.
“Since we started this programme under the Commissariat Department led by Comrade Munyaradzi Machacha, we have criss-crossed the country mobilising people to join the ruling party.
“We are spreading our tentacles nationwide, focusing especially on areas traditionally dominated by the opposition.”
Cde Tapfumaneyi lauded President Mnangagwa for creating a platform for those in the diaspora to re-engage with the revolutionary party.
“I am truly humbled to be welcomed back. This is a moment where we begin to align with the liberation struggle and what Zimbabwe is all about,” said Cde Tapfumaneyi.
“As the mantra says, I am coming home to participate and build Zimbabwe. I am calling for all those — even Chamisa himself to join Zanu-PF and be part of this ‘big tent.’ As we say, there is space for every animal, creeping or flying.”
Cde Tapfumaneyi said he was not after positions but to work for the party and people from the cell right up to the top.
“I want to use the skills we acquired in the diaspora to build our nation. My mission is to ensure as Bulawayo we understand the President’s vision of empowering everyone regardless of who they are,” he said.
ZIMA national chairperson, Ms Silingiwe Masuku said the 65 war veterans joined the party because they recognised the need to work together in support of President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030.
“Many of the war veterans are active members of our association hence they are aligning their economic activities with the party’s developmental goals,” she said.
Among the returning war veterans was Cde Gladys Moyo, a former ZIPRA combatant who was among the children taken from Manama Mission in 1977.
“I served as the secretary for the late Cde Lookout Masuku and Cde Dumiso Dabengwa. After leaving the army, I lived as a civilian and was not active in politics.
“I have now realised that under the Second Republic, there are many opportunities being rolled out to empower war veterans and develop the nation. That is why I decided to join Zanu-PF,” she said.
Cde Benjamin Gumede, who represents veterans’ affairs at the national level within ZIMA and who also played a key role in mobilising the former freedom fighters, said the focus is now on using mining to transform the livelihoods of war veterans.
Sidumisile Mabena