Online Reporter
Remember Deketeke
Herald Correspondent
VETERANS of the Liberation Struggle Minister Monica Mavhunga yesterday handed over 29 vehicles to district field officers to strengthen service delivery to war vets, including those in remote communities.
The handover follows the commissioning of the vehicles by President Mnangagwa on June 6, underlining the Government’s continued commitment to improve the welfare and economic empowerment of war veterans.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Minister Mavhunga said the gesture was a direct result of the President’s visionary leadership, which saw the establishment of a stand-alone ministry dedicated to serving the interests and needs of the veterans.
“Our veterans sacrificed their youth, education, comfort and for some, their lives, to secure the freedom we all enjoy,” she said.
“It is our duty to ensure they and their dependants receive services that are timely, dignified and effective.”
Minister Mavhunga noted that limited mobility for district field officers had previously slowed welfare assistance, memorialisation projects, reburials and home visits.
The new vehicles, she said, would enable officers to reach veterans wherever they live, including isolated rural areas.
“It will now be easier to move documents, conduct home and hospital visits, confirm school attendance for dependants and monitor projects effectively,” she said.
“More importantly, the ministry’s presence will be more visible and felt in the communities, showing our veterans that we are always ready to serve them.”
Minister Mavhunga described the handover as a demonstration of Government’s determination to bring services closer to the people, while honouring the legacy of the liberation struggle through action.
“Let us go forward with determination, efficiency and compassion in our service to our heroes and their dependants,” she said.
Those who received the vehicles were encouraged to use them responsibly, maintain them diligently and dedicate them to programmes that address the needs of the veterans of the liberation struggle.
The announcement was met with appreciation from beneficiaries.
Mr Washington Moyo from Guruve said the development would bring long-overdue relief.
“In the past, officers would take weeks to visit war veterans because they had no transport. Sometimes they had to travel to our houses themselves, which was costly and painful for some of us.”
Mrs Tendai Mhlanga from Mazowe said the move was a sign that Government had not forgotten its heroes.
“This is not just about vehicles, it is about respect. It shows our leaders still care about those who fought for this country and their families.”
Mr Joseph Ncube from Shurugwi said he hoped the improved mobility would accelerate ongoing reburial projects.
“Many of our comrades are still buried in shallow graves in the bush. With these vehicles, officers can reach those sites and give them the dignified send-off they deserve.”
