‘Dependents of heroes will never be forgotten’

THE Government has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the welfare of heroes’ dependants, pledging to strengthen support systems that protect, recognise and empower families of liberation war fighters whose sacrifices secured Zimbabwe’s independence.

Speaking during a Heroes’ Dependents Board stakeholders’ meeting in Bulawayo at the weekend, Minister of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs Senator Monica Mavhunga said caring for the families of both fallen and surviving liberation fighters remains a national obligation and a central pillar in preserving the country’s liberation heritage.

She said Zimbabwe’s independence was achieved through immense sacrifice, with many liberation fighters leaving behind their families, livelihoods and personal aspirations to take part in the struggle, while others never returned home.

“The story of Zimbabwe’s liberation was written through sacrifice, resilience and unwavering patriotism. Brave sons and daughters of this land left behind families, dreams and personal comforts to wage a protracted struggle so that future generations could live under the banner of freedom and self-determination.

“Many never returned home, while others came back carrying physical and emotional scars of war. Behind every fallen fighter was a family whose life was permanently altered by the demands of the liberation struggle.”

Minister Mavhunga said the Second Republic, under President Mnangagwa, remains committed to ensuring that heroes’ dependants receive adequate support and recognition.
“The Government, under the wise and visionary leadership of President Mnangagwa, remains fully committed to ensuring that heroes’ dependants are protected, recognised and empowered,” she said.
Addressing concerns raised by stakeholders over delays in the disbursement of educational assistance and other benefits, the minister said Government had already released funds to clear outstanding fees and was working to expedite the processing of applications.
“I wish to assure all stakeholders gathered here today that Government has availed funds for the payment of all outstanding fees. Applications are currently being processed and the Ministry is working tirelessly to clear outstanding cases. This progress reflects Government’s commitment to improving efficiency and ensuring that deserving beneficiaries receive the assistance they are entitled to,” she said.
However, she acknowledged that a number of challenges continued to affect service delivery, including incomplete documentation, unresolved inheritance disputes and limited awareness among some beneficiaries.
“These challenges require all of us to work together with unity of purpose. Government alone cannot fully address these issues without the support of traditional leaders, local authorities, veterans’ organisations, development partners and communities themselves,” she said.
Minister Mavhunga said collaboration among stakeholders remains critical in strengthening programmes aimed at improving the livelihoods of heroes’ dependants and ensuring their meaningful participation in national development.
In recent years, Government has intensified efforts to improve the welfare of veterans of the liberation struggle and their families through a range of empowerment and social protection programmes. These initiatives include educational assistance, medical support, housing schemes and income-generating projects designed to enhance the quality of life for beneficiaries.
The programmes are aligned with Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), which seek to promote inclusive development and improved living standards for all Zimbabweans.
Minister of State for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Judith Ncube said the province fully supports initiatives aimed at preserving the legacy of the liberation struggle while improving the welfare of heroes’ families.
“We recognise that stakeholder collaboration remains essential in addressing challenges affecting beneficiaries. As we move towards Vision 2030, we must ensure that no deserving dependent is left behind,” she said.
“Development must be inclusive, compassionate and people-centred. We must continue strengthening systems that protect vulnerable families while preserving the values of patriotism, unity and sacrifice upon which our nation was built.”
Heroes’ Dependents Board chairperson Cde Beauty Sibanda said the board continues to operate under the provisions of the National Heroes Act, which provides the legal framework for supporting beneficiaries.
“In demonstration of Government’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of the families of our liberators, President Mnangagwa appointed the Heroes’ Dependents Assistance Board on May 1, 2021,” she said.
“This Act does not merely grant ceremonial authority to the board; it entrusts us with a sacred statutory responsibility to assess the needs of heroes’ dependants, mobilise and manage resources, and implement programmes that restore dignity, promote empowerment and foster self-reliance among beneficiaries.”
Commissioner for Heroes’ Dependents Assistance Cde Gladys Moyo said notable progress had been made in addressing backlogs in applications.
“Government has availed funds towards clearing fees arrears. The department is actively processing PD2 applications. We have cleared 2023 applications, completed 2024 and are now finalising 2025 applications,” she said.
Cde Moyo said the department remains focused on delivering educational assistance, medical support and welfare programmes that improve the lives of heroes’ dependants, while safeguarding the legacy of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle.