Online Reporter
Bulawayo Bureau
THE welfare of veterans of the liberation struggle and their beneficiaries will be enhanced by Government while continuing the rollout of empowerment programmes in recognition of their sacrifice for the country.
In addition to monthly pensions, veterans of the struggle enjoy school fees payments for their children up to university level, medical aid support, land allocation benefits, among other economic empowerment projects.
In his address at the recent Zanu PF National People’s Conference, the Minister Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Professor Mthuli Ncube, said Government currently pays education fees for 6 395 eligible veterans’ children, comprising 4 886 in primary and secondary schools and 1 509 at tertiary level.
In terms of medical benefits, the minister said the Government has provided medical benefits to 4 010 eligible veterans, which has enabled them to access healthcare services.
Government also continues to implement the exhumation from shallow or mass graves of the remains of comrades who died during the war to afford them dignified reburial.
“In line with Resolution 127 of the 21st ZANU PF National People’s Conference, 357 shallow remains have been identified, with 112 freedom fighters exhumed and 70 reburied,” said Prof Ncube.
To buttress the economic empowerment of the struggle veterans, on 6 June 2025 President Mnangagwa launched empowerment schemes for the veterans community worth US$6 million, comprising US$3,5 million for war veterans and US$500 000 for other categories, including ex-political prisoners, detainees, restrictees, non-combatant cadres, war collaborators, and heroes’ dependents.
Prof Ncube said the Government was forging ahead with the transfer of veterans assets from Power Zimbabwe to the Veterans Investments Holding Company VIHC to enhance delivery of its mandate.
Already the VIHC, which has appointed a chief executive officer and management team, is now operational, and plans to cultivate 100 hectares in the comining summer farming season.
Matetsi Unit 4 Hunting Concession, Matabeleland South, which is under the Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs, has seen management depositing US$100 000 to VIHC and is yet to make another deposit of US$100 000, which is expected by 31 December 2025, said Prof Ncube.
To support beneficiaries in the livestock sector under the ‘Heifer Pass-On Programme’, he said an initial 50 heifers were distributed to veterans in Matabeleland South, Matabeleland North, and Midlands, leaving 157 cattle to be expanded for other provinces. Struggle veterans are also benefiting from the housing, residential and vending stalls initiative.
