Online Reporter
National Editor
GOVERNMENT has expressed its commitment to enhancing the welfare of veterans of the liberation struggle and their beneficiaries while continuing the rollout of empowerment programmes in recognition of their sacrifice for the country.
In addition to monthly pension payments, veterans of the struggle enjoy school fees payments for their children up to university level, medical aid support, land allocation benefits, among other economic empowerment projects.
In his address, at the recent Zanu-PF Annual National People’s Conference, the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Professor Mthuli Ncube, said the Government at present pays education fees for 6 395 eligible veterans’ children, comprising 4 886 in primary and secondary schools and 1 509 in tertiary institutions.
In terms of medical benefits, the minister said the Government has provided medical benefits to 4 010 eligible veterans, which has enabled them to access healthcare services at various institutions.
Government also continues to implement the exhumation from shallow or mass graves of the remains of comrades who died during the war, to afford them dignified reburial.
“In line with Resolution 127 of the 21st Zanu-PF National People’s Conference, 357 shallow remains have been identified, with 112 freedom fighters exhumed and 70 reburied,” said Prof Ncube.
To buttress the economic empowerment of the struggle veterans, on June 6, 2025 President Mnangagwa launched empowerment schemes for the veterans community worth US$6 million, comprising US$3,5 million for war veterans and US$500 000 for other categories, including ex-political prisoners, detainees, restrictees, non-combatant cadres, war collaborators and heroes’ dependents.
Prof Ncube said the Government was also forging ahead with the transfer of veterans assets from Power Zimbabwe (PZ) to the Veterans Investments Holding Company (VIHC), to enhance delivery of its mandate.
Already the VIHC, which has appointed a chief executive officer and management team, is now operational, and plans to cultivate 100 hectares in the 2025/2026 farming season.
Matetsi Unit 4 Hunting Concession, Matabeleland South, which is under the Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs, has seen management depositing US$100 000 to VIHC and is yet to make another deposit of US$100 000, which is expected by December 31, 2025, said Prof Ncube.
To support beneficiaries in the livestock sector under the “Heifer Pass-On Programme”, he said an initial 50 heifers were distributed to veterans in Matabeleland South, Matabeleland North and Midlands, leaving 157 cattle to be expanded for other provinces.
Struggle veterans are also benefitting from the housing, residential and vending stalls initiative.
“In line with Resolution 124 of the 21st Zanu-PF People’s Conference, 318 residential stands were allocated to the veterans’ community nationwide,” said Prof Ncube.
He said the Government was also distributing irrigation kits starting with Mashonaland Central Province as part of climate-proofing strategy.
“Veterans benefitted from the agro-boost irrigation kits programme launched by President E.D. Mnangagwa at Craigengower Farm, Mazoe, on 25 August 2025,” said Prof Ncube.
Furthermore, an inter-ministerial committee led by the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development has been established to handle veterans matters relating to mining and as of September 2025 a total of 39 mining titles to the veterans community were issued, he told delegates.
Meanwhile, about 750 veterans were trained on the manufacturing of essential household cleaning products and in agriculture, said Prof Ncube.
derick.khumalo