Improved benefits for war vets

Theseus Shambare in CHINHOYI

Veterans of the liberation struggle are set to receive improved benefits and recognition that aligns with the country’s constitutional provisions and the Second Republic’s devolution initiative.

The Minister of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs, Dr Monica Mavhunga, announced special health benefits in Chinhoyi on Saturday during her visit to Mashonaland West, as part of her national familiarisation tour.

The minister is acquainting herself with the structures and challenges of the veterans.

Speaking at a provincial meeting, she acknowledged the challenges faced by veterans, including inadequate housing, healthcare and economic empowerment. She announced initiatives to promote screening and early detection of non-communicable diseases, improved access to healthcare services and provision of dignified burials for deceased veterans.

“As I speak, we have some medical personnel currently carrying out the NCD screening. Efforts are also being made to ensure specialist facilities are put in place to ensure veterans have timeous access to health care services, without having to endure the bureaucratic processes that are associated with the current health assistance scheme,” said Minister Mavhunga.

Despite financial constraints, she said, the ministry was engaging with education ministries to ensure no student is turned away from school.

“The ministry has been assisting over 7 000 students and providing medical benefits.

“We will try by all means try to provide you with the statutory benefits you rightly deserve and also facilitate your economic empowerment,” Minister Mavhunga said.

On economic empowerment, she said the ministry administered two special purpose vehicles, the Veterans Investment Corporation and Power Zimbabwe (Pvt) Ltd.

“The primary objective of establishing these companies was to bolster the Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Fund, from which we will disburse empowerment benefits to veterans like yourselves,” she said.

With offices in all provinces and districts, the ministry is decentralising services and support, encouraging veterans to use these resources.

The ministry was engaging the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development to address land allocation and tenure challenges and the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development to provide mining claims.

The ministry is documenting the history of the liberation struggle and is also establishing a dedicated department for this purpose.

The Government, she said, was exploring a group funeral policy and access to specialist facilities.

“We are exploring the possibility of establishing a group funeral policy for all veterans, which would provide additional support and assistance to the bereaved families,” said Minister Mavhunga.

Collaboration with relevant ministries would ensure decent burials for fallen heroes and monuments to honour their sacrifices.

“Our goal is to ensure that no veteran is laid to rest without the respect, honour and dignity they deserve, and we are committed to advocating a funeral grant that reflects this principle,” she said.

The ministry is amending three key Acts to enhance the legislative framework and complete the mop-up vetting exercise.

Training programmes for veterans and their dependants have been conducted, including a piggery training programme facilitated by the Pig Industry Board, with the first one held in Mashonaland Central having been attended by 104 would-be farmers.

In Mashonaland West, the minister handed over certificates to 80 war veterans who attended the piggery training programme and also received 35 pigs from development partners to kickstart the project.

Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Mashonaland West Marian Chombo thanked the Government for giving an ear to the grievances of war veterans.

“As what the President always says, no one must be left behind; indeed, war veterans have been given a platform to be included in economic empowerment projects.

“We hope more of these projects will continue coming to our province which is rich with liberation struggle history, with the famous Chinhoyi battle having been fought on our soil,” she said.

The minister’s speech was well-received by the veterans, who appreciated her commitment to their welfare.

“We are optimistic about the minister’s promises,” said Cde Douglas Mahiya, Secretary for the War Veterans and Ex-Political Prisoners and Detainees League.

“We look forward to seeing tangible results.”

The meeting marked a significant step towards addressing the long-standing concerns of the liberation struggle veterans. Minister Mavhunga’s pledge to improve their welfare has instilled hope and renewed sense of purpose among the veterans.