adminMidlands Correspondent
NEWLY elected war veterans secretary general Cde Victor Matemadanda has conceded that the gratuities that were given to the freedom fighters in the mid-90s were not spent wisely by most of his counterparts due to lack of education and limited knowledge.Speaking to fellow freedom fighters in Gweru yesterday, Cde Matemadanda said there was a need for the government to empower freedom fighters academically so that they would be able to properly utilise resources availed to them.
“When we were given $50,000 each as gratuity we had not been empowered educationally. The government didn’t impart any knowledge or capacitate us with skills that could’ve helped us to generate more money from what we received. While we acknowledge that it was a noble initiative, we feel that most of the freedom fighters misused the money due to lack of knowledge and lack of education.
“Now that we’re benefiting from the land reform programme, there’s a need for us to empower ourselves educationally. We now need hands-on skills in areas like agriculture or mining so that we realise something from these economic empowerment initiatives,” he said.
Cde Matemadanda took a swipe at some “fly by night” failed politicians who were against the appointment of Vice Presidents Emmerson Mnangagwa and Phelekezela Mphoko.
He said the failed politicians were using the media to demonise the two Vice Presidents.
Cde Matemadanda said opposition leaders must not engage in cheap politics while seeking relevance.
“Dabengwa is a failed politician and bitter. He said VP Mphoko does not represent Zapu. Ironically Dabengwa left Zanu-PF to form his new Zapu. Some are smearing VP Mnangagwa for having a hand in the Gukurahundi disturbances.
“Such decisions like the one that led to the unfortunate Matabeleland and Midlands misfortune are made and approved by the entire cabinet and to single out VP Mnangagwa would be unfair on him. It was not about an individual but a system. Both parties acknowledged that what happened should not have happened. That is why they buried their differences and signed the Unity Accord,” he said.
Cde Matemadanda said there were some senior members of the party who were beginning to abuse their powers.
“It’s unfortunate that some of our comrades left the party. Cde Joice Mujuru was misled and misinformed by misguided and perennial sellouts like Cde Rugare Gumbo and were made to believe they could topple President Mugabe.
“Now there’re young people in the party who’re making noise so that they would squeeze in and strategically position themselves,” he said.
Cde Matemadanda reiterated that war veterans wanted a “gamatox free” party.(gamatox refers to those people linked to Vice President Mujuru)
Online Reporter