Online Reporter
Herald Reporter
THE disbursement of the US$1,5 million war veterans’ fund has started in earnest with Masvingo and Mashonaland East provinces being among the first beneficiaries.
Addressing journalists at Zanu PF headquarters in Harare yesterday, Secretary for the War Veterans League, Cde Douglas Mahiya, said Masvingo and Mashonaland East have already received US$250 000.
“Today we have received money that is meant to kick-start the fund with two provinces receiving funding meant to help war vets,” said Cde Mahiya.
“Masvingo has received US$150 000 and Mashonaland East received US$100 000 that is meant to be injected into their provinces.”
He said the goal is to channel the efforts of the liberation war heroes into fostering the country’s economic development.
“Our idea is to be able to turn the forces that liberated this country to be the forces that will liberate the economy of this country when war veterans have the money to be able to venture into such businesses that are strategic to assist the party, to assist the government, to overcome economic problems that are bedevilling this nation as a result of sanctions,” he said.
“So, the war veterans will be able to come in and fill in and be able to assist and request our President to reduce the political burden in trying to develop this nation.
“So, this fund that we have launched today is an interim measure as we put everything else in place and that is going to happen soon or a little later.”
Cde Mahiya said they will visit each province, where similar ceremonies will be held and every province will receive its share.
He said as patriotic war veterans, they will do anything within their means to defend President Mnangagwa and ensure he achieves Vision 2030.
As the ruling party continues to empower its wings leaving no one and no place behind, last Friday, Zanu PF benefactor and Presidential special advisor, Dr Paul Tungwarara, launched the Zimbabwe Ex-Political Prisoners, Detainees and Restrictee (ZEPEDRA) Harare Province Presidential Fund.
The fund with a seed capital of US$100 000 will be launched in all provinces and is intended to benefit ex-political prisoners, detainees and restrictees.
