Online Reporter
Joseph Madzimure
Zimpapers Politics Hub
Children of war veterans who were born during the liberation struggle are appealing to the Government to introduce a “fallen heroes exhumation tax” to support the welfare and burial processes of departed freedom fighters.
Zimbabwe Liberation War Veterans Children Association (ZLWVCA) chairperson Cde Gloria Kaisa said the tax will ensure timely implementation and support for the exhuminations and reburials of fallen heroes.
She proposed that the tax could be drawn from telecommunications infrastructure and the sale of property.
“As an association of children of war veterans born in the liberation struggle in different camps and countries where war veterans received training, such as Zambia, Mozambique and Tanzania, we kindly request and propose for the ‘Fallen Heroes Exhumation Tax’ to be introduced and included for incorporation in the upcoming National Budget,” she said.
Cde Kaisa said the proposal is driven by a profound need for the decent burial of fallen heroes.
“Our research points to this as a dire need for decent burial of departed heroes by the majority as each family lost a loved one in the liberation struggle in one way or the other,” she said.
Cde Kaisa also expressed appreciation to President Mnangagwa for his selfless service to the nation and for transforming the livelihoods of veterans of the liberation struggle.
She added that the history of the liberation struggle is the cornerstone of the nation’s collective identity and there is a need to continue celebrating its legacy.
“It aims to jealously safeguard the country’s legacy and history as well as promoting Zimbabwean culture and tradition and fostering patriotism,” she said.
The call comes in the wake of Vice President Kembo Mohadi’s recent tour of liberation shrines in Angola, Zambia, Tanzania and Mozambique.
VP Mohadi’s tour was to assess the condition of the sites and take corrective action to ensure departed freedom fighters are accorded respect.
The visits are also in line with the Second Republic’s broader efforts to preserve the legacy of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle.
Among the sites VP Mohadi visited are the Josiah Magama Tongogara Memorial Site in Mozambique, which encompasses three aspects: a cenotaph, a symbolic grave, and a memorial tree.
Government built the site to immortalise the role played by the late General Tongogara who commanded Zanla, the military wing of Zanu.
Gen Tongo was also a member of the Dare reChimurenga and the High Command, which directed the liberation struggle.
He died in an accident in Magacaia Village in Mozambique on December 26, 1979, as he drove to Chimoio to inform freedom fighters that they should lay down their guns following the Lancaster House agreement, which brought independence.
