Tendai Gukutikwa
Samuel Kadungure
News Editor
WAR collaborators have commended Government for initiating developmental projects that have positively impacted the lives of ordinary citizens – a thrust that aligns with their aspirations during the war of liberation struggle.
The collaborators, who convened in Rusape for an inter-district meeting last Friday, expressed gratitude to Government for projects that are transforming communities, improving livelihoods and reflecting commitment to their welfare.
The projects, which include, borehole drilling, Village Business Units (VBUs), road rehabilitation and construction, dam construction, chicken, goat, and fishery projects, livestock pass-on schemes and irrigation development, among others, which have enabled full participation of war collaborators.
Zimbabwe Liberation War Collaborators Association provincial chairperson, Cde Angeline Muponda, revealed that approximately 40 000 vetted members are located in the province, with welfare issues remaining their top priority.
Cde Muponda expressed optimism, anticipating that members will soon benefit from empowerment projects, following the association’s receipt of a US$500 000 kitty from Government.
Cde Davy Jakarasi, from Buhera expressed gratitude for practical projects such as the Marowanyati Dam and the Murambinda-Birchenough Road rehabilitation.
“Almost eight kilometres have been tarred, and we commend the Second Republic for upgrading the road, as public transporters had previously avoided the route due to its poor state. Fisheries projects at Marowanyati Dam are improving rural citizens’ livelihoods, and an irrigation scheme has been earmarked downstream,” he said.
Cde Jakarasi also thanked Government for the Veterans of the Liberation Armed Struggle Bill, which grants full recognition to war collaborators and prescribes compensation for their role in the liberation struggle.
Cde Paul Deke, from Mutare, praised the Second Republic for prioritising road rehabilitation, irrigation development, borehole drilling, and VBUs, as well as youth and women empowerment.
“We have accrued numerous benefits since the inception of the Second Republic. Previously, we were marginalised, but this dispensation has accorded us a better status. Our children are attending school, and our women and youths are being empowered by this Government. We desire this momentum to continue until 2030, by which time there should be adequate employment opportunities for our children,” he said.
Cde Alice Makoni, from Mutasa, said gaining recognition as war collaborators was a struggle during the First Republic.
“We attempted vetting in the First Republic, but nothing materialised. President Mnangagwa, upon assuming power, ordered our vetting, resulting in the issuance of IDs, which signifies our recognition and categorisation alongside war veterans. We will ensure that President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 prevails. This country was born out of blood, sweat, and tears,” she said.
A comprehensive housing scheme for war collaborators is in the offing, as part of a broader Government empowerment strategy aimed at fulfilling constitutional provisions pending the gazetting of their benefits.
ZILWACO) national chairman, Cde Pupurai Togarepi said his association had engaged President Mnangagwa regarding the delayed gazetting of their benefits, and was assured that the matter was being addressed, with various Government departments working tirelessly to bring it to fruition.
“At one point, the representatives from Government had not agreed on the way forward, and they were summoned again and instructed to reconcile their differences. I can assure you that they have finally reached an agreement, and the document is now with the President, ready for gazetting.
“We have since engaged the Local Government and Public Works Minister, Honourable Daniel Garwe to launch housing stands for war collaborators. Initially we had earmarked to launch it in Marondera, the launch is more likely to be here in Manicaland.
“We will be launching the programme this coming September. The President has initiated this process, demonstrating appreciation for war collaborators even before the gazetting of other benefits. We were also allocated US$500 000 for war collaborators’ projects, which will be shared among provinces and cascaded to districts,” he said.
ZANU PF Central Committee Member and Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere, said Government will soon launch economic empowerment programmes for war collaborators, led by Presidential Advisor, Dr Paul Tungwarara.
“We attained independence in 1980, but it took a considerable amount of time for Government to address many of your grievances. However, under the New Dispensation, we crafted the Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Act, as tasked by the President. Subsequently, the President instructed that war collaborators be vetted. Although the journey has been long, we are nearing its end. I assure you that President Mnangagwa’s Government is committed to fulfilling all its promises to you.
“Our President possesses a fatherly heart and is a listening President, who aims to ensure that you are fully empowered by 2030. The issuance of title deeds is intended to securitise the land allocated to veterans of the liberation struggle.
“Under the Second Republic, numerous projects have been completed, including the refurbishment of airports and the rehabilitation of roads.
Here in Manicaland, we have witnessed the development of Muchekeranwa and Marowanyati dams, irrigation schemes, and the expansion of the Dzvairo Irrigation Scheme, among others in Nyanga, Buhera, and other districts.
“The welfare of war collaborators has been legislated, and the President acknowledges your importance and the critical role you played. He pays attention to your grievances and will continue to support you as veterans of the liberation struggle. He will never abandon you. Government will undoubtedly address your grievances and ensure that you receive the benefits guaranteed by the Constitution, going forward,” said Dr Muswere.
The Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, stated that President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 encapsulates the aspirations of war collaborators, facilitated through the establishment of the Ministry of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle.
He said war collaborators should actively participate in the economy, and assured them that Government is aware of the challenges they face, and will soon address their concerns.
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