Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve in Matetsi
THE Minister of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs, Senator Monica Mavhunga, on Wednesday toured the Matetsi Unit 4 Hunting Concession in Hwange, Matabeleland North to assess operations and future development plans for the key asset under her Ministry’s purview.
The facility, which was in a dilapidated state when it was allocated to the Ministry, is now being upgraded to attract more clients and generate revenue for the Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Fund.
“Owned by the Ministry, it was allocated for us to raise funds towards the Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Fund, which is provided for by the Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Act. To run this property is the Veterans Investment Holding Company. Our reason for being here is to appreciate the works being done by the company,” said Minister Mavhunga.
She noted that plans are underway to erect tented platforms to accommodate more customers, while ensuring adequate water, food and protection for wildlife to boost animal numbers. On poaching, she stressed the need for community engagement.
“Most poachers are surrounding people who want meat to sell. There’s need for good relations so they take the project as theirs,” she said.
The Matetsi concession is one of several national assets transferred to the VIHC under the Second Republic to create sustainable income for veterans. Others include farms, mining claims and tourism sites across all provinces, which had previously lain dormant.
VIHC Group CEO, Mr Cougan Matanhire, confirmed performance is now on an upward trajectory since the Government established a dedicated Ministry and transferred the assets into the new investment vehicle.
“We continue to come up with innovative ideas to make sure these assets are functional and producing maximum returns to support more of our veterans,” he said.
Beyond tourism, agricultural properties are being scaled up, with 60 hectares of tobacco planted at Nyadora and tractor acquisitions at Kashao Farm. Mining assets and other tourism sites like Snanga and Popoteke Gorge are also being operationalised.
The overarching goal is to ensure proceeds cover healthcare, education for veterans’ children, and funeral assistance.
Minister Mavhunga was accompanied by her Ministry officials.
