Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba
THE Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the welfare of war veterans but has urged them to take full advantage of empowerment programmes being rolled out under the Second Republic.
These initiatives include land allocations, agricultural support, educational assistance for dependents and access to medical aid, which are all being administered through the Ministry of Veterans Affairs.
Speaking during an interactive meeting with war veterans in Gweru, the Minister of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs, Cde Monica Mavhunga, said the Government is committed to improving the welfare of war veterans hence the many programmes meant to benefit them.
“We are aware of the numerous challenges faced by veterans, their dependents, heroes’ widows and war victims and as such it is critical to engage regularly. These sessions are valuable feedback platforms that inform policy and programme planning,” said Minister Mavhunga.
She said it was encouraging to note that war veterans have many ideas on how to overcome some of the challenges.
Minister Mavhunga said the Government has already made strides in providing support, including pension benefits to spouses of deceased veterans, who are entitled to 55 percent of the primary beneficiary’s pension, along with additional State assistance.
“Heroes’ spouses and dependents also receive the same educational and medical benefits as veterans. In 2024 alone, 510 applications for school fees and 363 for medical assistance were processed. These numbers are expected to rise to 823 and 530, respectively, in 2025,” she said.
Minister Mavhunga added that war victims are entitled to disability pensions based on the severity of injury, along with artificial limbs and a clothing allowance in cases of excessive wear due to prosthetics.
She said the War Victims Compensation Department will this year roll out awareness campaigns to ensure war victims are informed about their entitlements and how to access them.
“The War Victims Compensation Act (Chapter 11:16) is being amended to reflect recommendations made by the 1998 Chidyausiku Commission of Inquiry. Notably, the law will be updated to cover injuries caused by landmines that occurred after the war had ended,” she said.
On land reform, Minister Mavhunga acknowledged ongoing challenges in issuing documentation, but noted that progress is being made.
“Veterans of the struggle are also being assisted to acquire mining claims. My ministry is grateful to the Ministries of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development and Mines and Mining Development for this support. Other ministries have also come on board to support the 20 percent quota policy,” said Minister Mavhunga.
She said the Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Owen Ncube, had facilitated the allocation of 40 residential stands to war veterans in Kwekwe, with additional allocations expected in Gokwe.
“We also have the Presidential Borehole Drilling Scheme, which is specifically targeting war veterans.
“These boreholes aren’t just for domestic use but they present opportunities for income-generating projects,” she said.
Also speaking at the gathering, Minister Ncube commended war veterans for their enduring patriotism and continued support for President Mnangagwa’s leadership in the face of attempts to destabilise the country.
“Fellow comrades, the Midlands Province salutes war veterans, who have remained firmly behind the President’s leadership despite futile attempts by detractors to sow disunity,” said Minister Ncube.
