Joseph Madzimure
Zimpaper Politics Hub
THE Veterans Investment Holding Company has paid a dividend of US$100 000 to the Veterans Fund to generate sustainable revenue for the Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Fund and improve the livelihoods of ex-combatants and their dependents
The VIHC is a state-owned investment vehicle established in 2021 by the Government to generate revenue for the Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Fund and improve the livelihoods of ex-combatants and their dependents
Veterans Investments Holdings Company board chairman Cde John Mafararikwa said VIH will help to grow the Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Fund through investment in key economic sectors for improvement of livelihoods for the Veterans of the Liberation Struggle.
“We remain grateful for the confidence and trust bestowed on us by the Government,” he said.
Speaking after receiving the cheque this morning, Veterans Fund vice board chairperson Cde Lifnety Moyo stated that the dividend reflects the progress being made towards building a sustainable investment institution for the veterans’ community.
“To the veterans community, this dividend is an important milestone. The returns accrued to the VLS fund will strengthen the ministry’s capacity to meet statutory obligations, particularly health care, education assistance and funeral benefits,” she said.
“We encourage the VIC board and management to sustain this momentum to pursue viable investment opportunities and grow shareholder value for the benefit of the veterans community.”
Cde Moyo hailed President Mnangagwa for the division, saying it’s through his visionary leadership and commitment to the welfare and economic empowerment of the veterans community.
“His guidance has ensured that VIC is properly structured and positioned to generate sustainable returns,” said Cde Moyo.
Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs Minister Monica Mavunga witnessed the handover of the dividend, saying the handing over of these income dividends from the Veterans Investment Company to the Veterans Fund.
“This is not just a financial transaction; it is a powerful statement of purpose. It shows that investments made in the name of our veterans are now bearing fruit, and that fruit is returning to where it belongs, to the men and women who sacrificed so much for the liberation and sovereignty of this nation,” she stated.
She highlighted that the veterans are the foundation of freedom.
“It is our solemn duty to ensure that in their later years they live with dignity, security, and care,” she said.
She said the dividends will go directly towards welfare support for veterans.
“It will strengthen our ability to provide medical assistance and access to healthcare for veterans and their spouses, support for school fees and educational assistance for the children of veterans,” she highlighted.
Some of the funds will be used for funeral assistance and dignified burial for the departed heroes.
“I want to assure the veterans, the board, and the nation that every dollar of this interim dividend will be accounted for,” she said.
Minister Mavunga further highlighted that the veterans fund will be managed with transparent accountability and the highest level of integrity.
“We will publish reports on how these funds are utilised because our veterans deserve nothing less,” she said.
“We will make sure that we continue doing the same. To the Veterans Investment Company, I commend you.
“You have demonstrated that a veterans-owned company can be both commercially viable and socially responsible.”
She stated that they have proven that empowerment is not about handouts, but about building sustainable institutions that can take care of their own.
“To our veterans, I say this, your Government is not forgetting you. Your sacrifice was not in vain.”
“Today, your own investment is coming back to support you, and we will continue to work to improve your welfare. Let this dividend be the beginning of a stronger partnership between the Ministry, the Veterans Investment Company, and the Veterans Fund.”
