adminNqobile Tshili Chronicle Correspondent
THE Bulawayo provincial war veterans’ executive will remain in place until 2018, a senior official has said. Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans’ Association vice chairman Cde Headman Moyo said this yesterday during a provincial meeting of Bulawayo war veterans that came at a time when divisions have seen a member of the war veterans council of elders Cde George Mlala leading a group of disgruntled ex-combatants rebelling against the provincial executive led by Cde Cephas Ncube.
Cde Mlala and members of his group, who accuse the new executive of having elements loyal to ousted former leader Jabulani Sibanda, did not attend the meeting.
The Deputy Minister of Welfare Services for War Veterans, War Collaborators and Former Political Detainees, Retired Colonel Tshinga Dube, attended yesterday’s meeting.
Cde Moyo said Cde Ncube’s executive has been endorsed at national level. “As far as we’re concerned Bulawayo province led by Cde Ncube is the only one mandated to hold meetings in this province. The chairman is Cde Ncube and our next elections will be held in 2018,” said Cde Moyo, who is also a Zanu-PF Central Committee member for Matabeleland North.
He said Cde Mlala had no business discussing issues affecting war veterans in Bulawayo. “He has no mandate calling meetings. You chose Cde Ncube to coordinate your programmes, allow him to do his job,” he said.
Cde Moyo said instead of discussing non-issues, war veterans must be concerned with empowerment projects which will propel them to greater heights.
Cde Ncube said he has nothing to discuss about Cde Mlala’s comments that he was a “gamatox member.” “I don’t want to talk about him. He’s nothing to me,” said Cde Ncube.
He accused the media of creating imaginary tensions between him and Cde Mlala.
Rtd Col Dube said the government was working to end squabbling among war veterans through introducing empowerment projects for them. He said economic challenges faced by the ex-combatants were the root of disunity. He said the $70 monthly payments their members were each getting were too little and do not befit their status.
Rtd Col Dube said infighting was derailing developmental issues. “Divisions are useless and we can’t waste our efforts dealing with those things. We need to dedicate our efforts towards meaningful things,” Rtd Col Dube said.
He said although he is new in office, challenges affecting freedom fighters have been presented to him. “It has taken us too long but your concerns are well known. We’ve a minister who knows about your challenges and is committed towards your well-being,” he added.
He said for war veterans to be rescued from poverty they should be involved in economic activities such as mining. “We will initiate many projects for you.
“You should have shares in companies. It has taken too long for this to be realised but we’re working on it,” he said.
derick.khumalo