Online Reporter
Fungai Lupande
Mashonaland Central Bureau
AS Zimbabwe prepares to commemorate Heroes and Defence Forces Day in August, war veterans in Mashonaland Central Province have achieved a significant milestone in their empowerment initiatives by securing 270 hectares of prime land in Mazowe.
The war veterans got the land through the War Veterans Family Wealth Trust, which was set up in 2024 to help them access financial assistance through collateral.
It is chaired by Cde Douglas Mahiya, who is also the Zanu PF secretary for War Veterans Affairs in the Politburo.
The site is designated for a multi-million-dollar real estate and tourism development project, marking a meaningful tribute to their sacrifices.
In an interview, War Veterans Family Wealth Trust secretary-general Cde Richard Chirongwe, who is spearheading the project, said the land will serve as collateral security for war veterans as they seek to broaden their business ventures.
Conveniently located near Jumbo Dam and just 10km from the new administrative capital in Mt Hampden, the prime area is expected to host various amenities, including a high-end tourist resort centre, golf resorts, holiday homes, shopping malls, hotels, a wellness centre for war veterans, and low-density suburbs.
Expressing gratitude to President Mnangagwa and relevant Government ministries, Cde Chirongwe said the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development has “allocated us this land, and all the paperwork is in order”.
The AFC Bank is set to assist in the project’s development and management, ensuring that the initiative aligns with the spirit of the upcoming national celebrations.
“Once we obtain the title deeds, the land will be accessible to investors,” said Cde Chirongwe.
In addition to the economic benefits, the project is seen as a way to honour the sacrifices made by war veterans in the fight for independence.
Cde Chirongwe explained that the Trust will ensure all veterans are trained in legal matters related to the project, promoting equitable benefits across provinces.
“The objective of the Trust is to help war veterans secure collateral. It acts as a guarantor for them,” he said.
The Trust is designed not only to support individual war veterans but also to uplift their families, fostering a sense of community and solidarity among those who served the nation.
Key features of the Trust include collateral support, which acts as a guarantor for war veterans in their financial dealings.
In addition, the Trust allows families of war veterans to create their own trusts for direct benefits, ensuring that the legacy of their sacrifices is preserved for future generations. A detailed record of veterans’ living conditions has already been established, enabling targeted assistance where it is most needed, added Cde Chirongwe.
Beyond real estate, the war veterans are pursuing agricultural projects to complement the Presidential War Veterans Revolving Fund.
With Heroes and Defence Forces Day approaching, these initiatives emphasise the ongoing commitment to self-sufficiency and national pride. Cde Chirongwe also spoke about plans for agricultural hubs to support beneficiaries of the fund.
“We are collaborating with the Agricultural Marketing Authority and ZimTrade to identify markets for produce,” he said.
This ensures that war veterans plant for an existing market rather than facing uncertainty.
The housing scheme is another notable project, featuring semi-detached twin houses where one unit can serve to pay off the loan while the family occupies the other.
The innovative approach not only addresses housing shortages but also provides a sustainable financial model for war veterans.
Taking advantage of the 20 percent quota for stand allocations by local authorities, the Trust plans to service blocks of stands to further support housing initiatives.
The Trust is also negotiating for land in various locations, including Victoria Falls for a memorial village, Nyanga for another project and Chitungwiza’s WaterView for an information centre to help families trace missing loved ones.
Said Cde Chirongwe: “We are negotiating land in various areas to ensure that the contributions of war veterans are recognised in meaningful ways.” These endeavours reflect a deep commitment to honouring the sacrifices made by veterans.
Cde Chirongwe also emphasised efforts to build assets for the fund, including receiving a Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ) certificate for hiring farming equipment.
Negotiations are underway with a Chinese company to supply trucks using their collateral security, further enhancing the operational capacity of the Trust.
“We are working diligently to build assets for our fund,” he said, underlining their proactive approach.
Through these initiatives, war veterans aim to secure financial independence, honour their sacrifices and build a lasting legacy for their families.
The initiatives stand as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices and contributions of the war veterans towards Zimbabwe’s liberation.
“Blood was shed for Zimbabwe to be free, and many sacrificed their lives for a better future,” said Cde Chirongwe.
Through securing financial independence and building a lasting legacy for future generations, the investment projects for war veterans honour the spirit of freedom and resilience that defines Zimbabwe.
