Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka
Zimpapers Politics Hub
ZANU PF Bulawayo provincial chairman, Cde Jabulani Sibanda, has described war veterans as the unbreakable foundation of Zimbabwe’s revolutionary struggle, declaring that their return to the party fold represents a definitive commitment to defending the nation’s sovereignty.
Speaking on Tuesday in Bulawayo at a gathering organised by the Zimbabwe Indigenous Miners Association (Zima), while welcoming 90 members who joined the ruling party under the Dzokai Kumusha/Uyani Ekhaya (Come Home) programme, Cde Sibanda said the war veterans remain bound by a sacred oath to the struggle.
The group includes 65 war veterans and 25 former opposition members, led by UK-based politician and lawyer, Cde Pardon Tapfumaneyi, who was previously an aspiring 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.
“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 Kumushauyani Ekhaya programme in the Commissariat department, Cde Blessing Chebundo, revealed that between 250 000 and 300 000 former opposition members have joined ZANU PF to date.
