Veterans Investment Holding Company scales up to secure ex-fighter’s welfare

THE Government continues to intensify efforts to transform the welfare of war veterans, with the Veterans Investment Holding Company (VIHC) scaling up investments across key economic sectors to generate sustainable revenue for the Veterans Fund.

The development comes as a direct response to long-held concerns that the country’s liberation war heroes had been neglected, with the Second Republic now moving decisively to ensure that those who fought for the country’s freedom enjoy dignity, security and meaningful opportunity in their twilight years.

VIHC, established to bridge the gap between intention and impact, is tasked with creating structured, revenue-generating projects that directly benefit veterans of the struggle and their dependants.

The company’s mandate is to generate sustainable revenue for the Veterans Fund and ensure economic empowerment for those who sacrificed for the country’s independence.

The company recently exhibited at the just-ended Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) in Bulawayo, where it opened its doors to dialogue with the public, business community and potential partners, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to transparency and tangible action.

Veterans Investment Holding Company Group chief executive officer, Mr Cougan Matanhire, said their mandate is to generate revenue for the Veterans Fund.

“We want to demonstrate, through tangible projects, that the welfare of our veterans is a national priority,” he said.
Mr Matanhire emphasised that the company is moving beyond rhetoric into concrete action.

“As we exhibit at ZITF, our message is simple yet powerful and we are saying Zimbabwe’s veterans are not forgotten. They are being invested in, empowered and honoured. Their welfare is our mandate and their dignity is our mission,” he said.

Mr Matanhire said VIHC has already operationalised Nyadora farm, launching tobacco and sorghum production as part of the company’s agricultural flagship projects.

In Masvingo, the company has partnered with the local war veterans chapter for sorghum production, a high-impact initiative that connects veterans directly to the land they fought to liberate.

In the mining sector, VIHC is positioning itself to harness Zimbabwe’s vast mineral wealth in ways that channel returns directly into the Veterans Fund, creating long-term financial sustainability.

The company is also exploring avenues in the tourism sector, at present operating Matetsi Unit 4 Hunting Concession, with plans to establish a world-class photographic site at Sinanga.

Plans are at an advanced stage to set up a microfinance bank that will integrate veterans into the broader economic system, while a proposed memorial hospital focusing primarily on the healthcare needs of veterans is in the pipeline, alongside a dialysis centre offering affordable services to veterans and society at large.

Furthermore, the company is rolling out the Heifer Pass-On Scheme, a grassroots empowerment programme giving Veterans access to livestock to build sustainable livelihoods.

Beneficiaries, who receive heifers are expected to pass on offspring to fellow veterans, creating a self-sustaining chain of empowerment across communities.

Mr Matanhire said VIHC is committed to expanding its portfolio of projects guided by the principle of sustainability.

“Every investment decision is made with the long view in mind, ensuring revenue continues to flow into the Veterans Fund not just today, but for generations to come,” he said.

“To the veterans who spent their lives in the bush so that Zimbabwe could be free, you are seen, you are remembered and you are being invested in.”