Online Reporter
All is set for President Mnangagwa’ s interface meeting with war veterans at the City Sports Centre in Harare today.
This is a follow-up to the recently launched Presidential War Veterans Fund.
The Fund plays a pivotal role in improving the lives of war veterans through impactful programmes across the country’s 10 provinces.
Our Reporters Joseph Madzimure and Wallace Ruzvidzo are at City Sports Centre and will provide live coverage of the event.
Thousands converge for interface
Thousands of war veterans have converged at the City Sports Centre for the interface with President Mnangagwa this morning.
The event is running under the theme “Beyond the battlefield: Celebrating courage, loyalty and commitment.”
An opportunity for dialogue
Zanu PF Secretary for War Veterans, Cde Douglas Mahiya said it is crucial for war veterans to meet with the President to discuss issues affecting them and thank him for launching the War Veterans Fund, which is an empowerment vehicle.
“We will discuss the effectiveness of the interest-free loan. We are also expecting the fund to be increased,” said Cde Mahiya.
He said war veterans are happy that the President has introduced housing schemes and solar-powered boreholes for them.
“As you can see, the house is now full as we wait to thank President Mnangagwa for the empowerment programmes,” he said.
President arrives
President Mnangagwa has entered into the auditorium, together with Vice President Cde Kembo Mohadi and Zanu PF Secretary General Cde Obert Mpofu.
The President was given a rumbling welcome by the war veterans.
Before entering the main auditorium, the President launched the War Veterans Mechanisation Scheme.
Now the national anthem is being sung, marking the beginning of today’s proceedings.
More than 4000 attend
Harare provincial War Veterans League chairman Cde Guta welcomed the delegates at the meeting.
More than 4000 ex-combatants are in attendance.
The provincial war veterans chairman took the delegates back to the liberation war days as he sang revolutionary songs.
In his remarks, Cde Guta said the war veterans are delighted to interface with the President.
“War veterans needed to meet you Your Excellency, the thirst to meet you has been quenched,” he said .
Empowerment of war veterans applauded
Minister of War Veterans Affairs, Cde Monica Mavhunga has taken to the podium.
She thanked the President for continuously capacitating the ministry.
However, Minister Mavhunga advocated for more financing on issues to do with war veterans’ welfare.
“I express gratitude for the empowerment assets that you gave the ministry,” she said.
“We thank you for the several empowerment initiatives extended to war veterans.”
Presidential Advisor Dr Paul Tungwarara is now giving his remarks.
He began by reaffirming the war veterans’ admiration for the President.
Dr Tungwarara said the war veterans are appreciative of the interface with the President.
‘Government has interests of war vets at heart’
Zanu PF Secretary for War Veterans League, Cde Mahiya has now taken the podium.
He said it is encouraging to note that the Second Republic has the best interests of war veterans at heart.
We see that you have us in your hearts. You unveiled a lot of programmes for us and we want to thank you Cde President.”
He then introduced the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development to give detailed information on the issuance of title deeds.
President hands over title deeds
President Mnangagwa is now handing over title deeds to war veterans.
Cde Moses Mudyiwa is the first beneficiary of title deeds under A1 farmers.
He is now entitled to receive US$6 000 from the AFC.
VP Mohadi introduces President
Vice President Cde Kembo Mohadi is now introducing President Mnangagwa.
He said the Second Republic is committed to arming the war veterans as they fight to eradicate poverty.
“We are here today to empower our comrades so that they get armed to go and fight poverty,” he said.
War vets’ role cut out: President
President Mnangagwa is now giving the keynote address.
The President said opportunities to interface with war veterans are dear to him.
“I treausre these opportunities to be with you.”
The President said war veterans delivered the country’s freedom and peace.
“The veterans who fought the liberation struggle remain important actors in advancing our national vision.
“We take pride in you all for remaining vigilant, unwavering and persistent,” he said.
“Our role continues. In the past we fought several battles, no part of our country was spared,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said the next battle is now to deliver the country’s economic emancipation.
“Nyika inovakwa, igotongwa, igonamatigwa nevene vayo,” said the President.
The President announced that he has given US$2 million to war veterans for income generating projects.
In addition, the President availed 50 tractors, which will see each province getting five.
