adminNqobile Tshili Chronicle Correspondent
THE liberation war was won through the masses’ collective effort and it would be impossible for the government to provide monetary allowances for everyone who contributed to the country’s independence. Zanu-PF Bulawayo provincial chairman, Cde Dennis Ndlovu, who is a veteran freedom fighter, said war veterans alone would not have succeeded in fighting the Ian Smith regime if they were not supported by people who remained at home.
He was speaking on Friday at the burial of Cde Theresa Moyo who died at the age of 82.
Cde Moyo who was Zanu-PF’s provincial deputy secretary for economic affairs was buried at Nkulumane Provincial Heroes after she was declared a liberation heroine in recognition of her contributions to the country’s independence.
Cde Ndlovu said it would not be practical to provide for everyone after Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association Bulawayo provincial chairman Cde Cephas Ncube had said war collaborators have not benefited anything as the government was delaying their vetting.
“Almost everyone contributed in the liberation war. It’s difficult to register everyone for their contributions towards independence. They’re others who didn’t go to war but were providing food to freedom fighters. If we’re to register people they should be registered too,” said Cde Ndlovu.
He said there were many unheralded heroes and heroines who contributed immensely towards the political liberation of the country yet the struggle continues.
“The country’s struggles didn’t end at the attainment of independence. Today we’ve new struggles that we’ve to deal with. We’re still fighting poverty and hunger,” said Cde Ndlovu.
Online Reporter