Government reaffirms commitment to ensuring that heroes’ dependents are protected, recognised and empowered.

THE Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that heroes’ dependents are protected, recognised and empowered to safeguard the legacy of the liberation struggle.
In a keynote address at the Heroes Dependants Board Stakeholders’ meeting in Bulawayo on Saturday, Minister of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs Monica Mavhunga said the story of Zimbabwe’s liberation was not written in comfort.

“It was written in 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,” she said.

“Many never returned home. 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.”

“Today we are reminded that the liberation struggle did not end at independence. The responsibility to care for the families of our heroes remains a living obligation upon the State and every patriotic Zimbabwean.”

She said the Government under the wise and visionary leadership of President Mnangagwa, remains fully committed to ensuring that heroes’ dependents are protected, recognised and empowered.
The Minister said they acknowledge the concerns that have been raised regarding delays in the processing and payment of educational fees and other benefits.

“Cognisant of this, I wish to assure all stakeholders gathered here today the Government has availed funds for the payment of all outstanding fees, towards this end, fees applications are currently being processed, and the Ministry is working tirelessly to clear outstanding cases.

“Furthermore, PD2 applications are also being processed and I am pleased to inform you that as of today, the processing team is finalising applications submitted in the year 2025. This progress reflects Government’s commitment improving efficiency and ensuring that deserving beneficiaries receive the assistance they are entitled to,” she added.
She said while progress has been made, they must equally acknowledge the challenges that continue to affect service delivery.

Minister Mavhunga said these include limited awareness in some communities, incomplete documentation (Declaration letters and confirmation of customary marriages for widows whose husbands passed away before the marriage was formally registered), and inheritance disputes.

“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.

“Stakeholder collaboration therefore remains critical in strengthening the protection and empowerment of heroes’ dependants. As a Ministry, we remain guided by the National Vision of building an upper middle-income economy by 2030. In this regard, we are committed to modernising systems, strengthening institutional coordination and improving efficiency in service delivery.”

Minister of State for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Judith Ncube said Bulawayo a city rich in history, resilience and patriotism, was deeply honoured to host the gathering dedicated to safeguarding the welfare and dignity of the dependants of heroes and heroines.

“As a province, Bulawayo Metropolitan fully supports initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of heroes’ dependants and preserving the legacy of the liberation struggle. We recognise that stakeholder collaboration remains essential in addressing challenges affecting beneficiaries,” she said.

“As we move towards Vision 2030, we must ensure that no deserving dependant is left behind. 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.”

She said the province remained committed to supporting programmes that uplift communities, strengthen social protection systems and preserve the rich liberation heritage of our nation.

The Minister called for stakeholders to continue to stand together in protecting the dignity and welfare of the families of those who sacrificed for our independence.