Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve, Victoria Falls Reporter
THE Government is finalising a comprehensive memorialisation framework aimed at honoring the sacrifices of Zimbabwe’s liberation war veterans and ensuring their legacy is preserved for future generations.
The framework, which will be spearheaded by the Office of the President and Cabinet, seeks to adopt a multi-dimensional approach to memorialising the liberation struggle. It includes the establishment of provincial museums, an autobiography centre, and the renaming of streets, schools and public institutions after veterans.
Responding to questions, Deputy Minister of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs, Senator Headman Moyo, said the framework is a coordinated effort involving several ministries, Government departments, traditional leaders and non-governmental actors.
“The identification, exhumation and reburial of veterans who died during the war is a mammoth task that requires coordinated efforts. This framework will ensure better coordination among all parties involved,” said Sen Moyo.
He said the ministry is also accelerating the development of policy guidelines for the design and construction of statues of national heroes in various parts of the country.
To support ongoing reburials, the ministry is working closely with the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage through the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe (NMMZ) and various trusts that have been involved in repatriation efforts.
So far, 256 deceased fighters have been identified in Masvingo Province, with plans to expand the identification and reburial process to other provinces, starting with Matabeleland South.
“This initiative involves collaboration with provincial and district structures, traditional leaders, and local communities. The information gathered will feed into the development of the Memorialisation Framework,” said Sen Moyo. “The memorialisation framework represents a significant step towards preserving Zimbabwe’s history for future generations, ensuring that the sacrifices of the past are never forgotten.”
On the issue of formal recognition of veterans, Senator Moyo said consultations are ongoing with the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion on gazetting the names of vetted war veterans.
“Gazetting is a critical step that formally recognises individuals as accredited veterans, war collaborators or non-combatant cadres, entitling them to benefits,” he said.
Sen Moyo said in the meantime, vetted individuals have started receiving non-monetary benefits, such as medals, land allocations, housing stands and mining claims as part of Government empowerment schemes.
Regarding state-assisted burials, Sen Moyo confirmed that policies are being finalised to support the families of war heroes by covering funeral expenses and ensuring veterans receive dignified send-offs. The proposal was championed at the last Zanu-PF Annual National People’s Conference.
Senator Moyo also touched on the maintenance of heroes’ shrines at national, provincial and district levels, clarifying that this responsibility lies with the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage. However, the Ministry of Veterans Affairs continues to push for enhanced recognition of war veterans during state occasions.
“Veterans now have designated seating during national events and during Independence celebrations, they perform a march past immediately after the parade,” he said.
Sen Moyo also assured veterans that the Government is committed to protecting them from unfair treatment, including land evictions and unlawful development planning by some local authorities.
“We urge veterans to report any challenges promptly so that we can intervene on their behalf. Our duty is to safeguard their rights,” said Sen Moyo.
The framework will also encompass broader initiatives to preserve the legacy of the liberation struggle.
These include the establishment of provincial museums and an autobiography centre to document the experiences of veterans, as well as the renaming of public spaces to reflect the nation’s heritage.
“These plans are integral to the framework, and once it is finalised, they will be implemented as detailed outputs,” he said.
Senator Moyo reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to upholding the dignity of liberation war veterans, saying the initiative is part of a drive to foster national unity and instill patriotic pride.
Londile Moyo
Bongani Ndlovu