Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba
THE Government remains steadfast in ensuring that war veterans live with dignity, recognising their supreme sacrifices in liberating the nation from colonial rule, the Minister of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs, Monica Mavhunga, has said.
Speaking at the official launch of the Independence Flame lighting ceremony at Mtapa Hall in Gweru last Thursday, Minister Mavhunga addressing a gathering that included Vice-President Dr Constantino Chiwenga, Cabinet Ministers and members of the public, highlighted that under President Mnangagwa’s leadership, the Second Republic places the welfare of liberation war veterans at the heart of national development.
“The Government under the Second Republic is committed to enhancing the welfare of war veterans who fought for the country’s independence. My ministry leads various initiatives aimed at economically empowering them and improving their livelihoods,” Minister Mavhunga said.
Key programmes include allocating land for farming and providing financial support to assist war veterans in starting businesses.
Minister Mavhunga said other ministries were offering technical assistance to help veterans capitalise on these empowerment opportunities.
“President Mnangagwa emphasised the importance of broad-based empowerment projects for war veterans and urged other Government ministries to offer technical advice to help them capitalise on available opportunities,” she said.
The ongoing implementation of the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) has led to the decentralisation of national events.
This year, Independence Day celebrations are set to be held in Nembudziya, Gokwe North District.
Minister Mavhunga underscored the significance of recognising sites of national and historical importance such as Mtapa Hall where the first Zanu Congress was held in 1964.
“It is here at Mtapa Hall that our nationalists convened to make a bold decision to take up arms to fight the settler regime. That journey was not easy. It took the resilience of the masses, war collaborators and freedom fighters to sustain the struggle until we attained independence in 1980,” she reflected.
Emphasising the Government’s commitment, Minister Mavhunga stated that no war veteran or their dependants should face displacement from their land. She reaffirmed the Government’s dedication to supporting and protecting them.
“As we reflect on the spirit of the Zanu Congress, we must remember the unity and loyalty required to uphold the values and sacrifices of our liberation. The gallant sons and daughters of the soil must remain guided and in support of the party that brought freedom,” Minister Mavhunga said.
