Online Reporter
Mukudzei Chingwere
Senior Reporter
The Government has approved major legislative reforms that will expand benefits, strengthen recognition and provide clearer protection for veterans of the liberation struggle and their families.
The amendments are designed to modernise the country’s wartime welfare laws, align them with the Constitution and ensure that those who fought for independence, including those previously overlooked, receive full acknowledgment and support.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere stated that the Cabinet had endorsed the principles of the Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Amendment Bill, which updates the current Act and broadens its scope.
“Cabinet approved the principles of the Veterans of The Liberation Struggle Amendment Bill, which were presented by the Minister of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs,” said Dr Muswere.
“The objective of amending the Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Act is to enhance the welfare of beneficiaries, modernise the legislative framework and align the Act to the Constitution.”
Among the key proposed changes is the recognition of Botswana as one of the liberation transit camps, reflecting its role in hosting and facilitating the movement of fighters during the war.
The definition of “non-combatant cadre” will also be revised to include a wider group of people who contributed to the liberation effort, ensuring they become eligible for benefits and formal recognition.
The amendment further seeks to establish a clear national framework for the exhumation, repatriation and dignified reburial of veterans who died during the struggle, addressing a long-standing gap in honouring fallen freedom fighters.
“Furthermore, the amendments will broaden access to benefits and recognition for eligible individuals and their dependants,” Dr Muswere added.
In a related development, Cabinet also approved the principles of the War Victims Compensation Amendment Bill, which proposes the creation of a dedicated War Victims Compensation Board.
Dr Muswere stated that the amendment responds to recommendations from the Zimbabwe Commission of Inquiry into the administration of the War Victims Compensation Act and will bring the law in line with the Constitution.
“The amendment will further provide for the recognition of victims of unexploded wartime ordinance as eligible war victims,” said Dr Muswere.
“These are persons who were maimed or killed since 1980 by unexploded ordinances comprising high-explosive bombs, landmines, projectiles, mortars, grenades and bullets. The amendments will also seek to promote gender equality and fairness through the elimination of gender bias within the provisions.”
The two bills will now move to the next stages of the legislative process.
