Online Reporter
Obey Musiwa
Herald Reporter
LIBERATION war collaborators have voiced their support for Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, arguing that frequent elections divert resources from national development programmes.
Speaking at the Mujibhas and Chimbwidos Association national general meeting in Harare on Saturday, speakers emphasised the need to prioritise economic growth, empowerment and infrastructure development as Zimbabwe pursues Vision 2030.
The meeting underscored the longstanding relationship between liberation war collaborators and the ruling party, with delegates citing ongoing empowerment programmes as evidence of progress being made to improve livelihoods.
Mujibhas and Chimbwidos Association national chairperson Cde Joseph Kandimire expressed appreciation for Government initiatives aimed at uplifting the lives of liberation war collaborators.
“We are grateful for what the President is doing for war collaborators as we see new opportunities for empowerment being opened,” he said.
“As mujibhas and chimbwidos, we are pleased to see our contribution to the liberation struggle being recognised. That recognition is an important development for us.”
Presidential Investment Adviser Cde Paul Tungwarara said the country should focus its resources on development projects rather than recurring electoral processes.
“The call is clear: unity, resilience and development must take precedence over electoral cycles,” he said.
“Development cannot be fully achieved in a country that is continuously engaged in elections. Resources that could be directed towards community development are often consumed by electoral processes.”
Cde Tungwarara said the Presidential Constituency Empowerment Fund was already transforming lives through various initiatives targeting liberation war collaborators and their families.
“Through the President’s vision, households of mujibhas and chimbwidos are benefiting from empowerment programmes, including vehicle allocations, poultry projects stocked with more than 5 000 birds and financial support delivered through party structures,” he said.
Zanu PF Secretary for War Veterans Affairs in the Politburo, Cde Douglas Mahiya, urged war veterans and liberation war collaborators to remain united behind President Mnangagwa’s leadership as the country works towards attaining Vision 2030.
“Those who sacrificed their lives during the liberation struggle remain the most important heroes of our nation,” he said.
“War veterans, mujibhas and chimbwidos are one people. We must remain united as we support national development and make productive use of the resources being made available to us.”
Harare Metropolitan Province Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Senator Charles Tavengwa paid tribute to liberation war collaborators, saying their sacrifices laid the foundation for Zimbabwe’s independence and development.
“Your sacrifices are the bedrock upon which Zimbabwe stands,” he said.
“The freedom we enjoy today was won through your courage, resilience and unity. Guided by the President’s leadership and Vision 2030, we will continue building a Zimbabwe that honours the sacrifices made by veterans of the liberation struggle.”
