Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba
CHILDREN of war veterans across the country have been encouraged to register with their respective provincial leadership structures and submit their details along with business proposals —preferably as clusters — to access the recently launched US$500 000 revolving fund.
The call follows the official launch of the Presidential Empowerment Scheme for Children of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle in Gweru last Wednesday. The initiative aims to uplift the livelihoods of families of liberation war fighters by supporting sustainable economic ventures.
At the launch, the Children of Zimbabwe Liberation War Veterans Association (CZLWVA) were presented with seed capital of US$500 000 to kick-start their entrepreneurial projects. This initiative forms part of President
Mnangagwa’s broader strategy to ensure that veterans and their families achieve economic independence.
Dr Paul Tungwarara, Special Presidential Advisor on Investments, launched the fund in the presence of over 10 000 members.
Addressing a Press conference in Gweru yesterday, CZLWVA chairperson Cde Phenius Makombe expressed gratitude for the initiative spearheaded by the Second Republic under President Mnangagwa’s leadership.
“We successfully launched the empowerment programme last week here in Gweru. Now, I urge children of war veterans to visit their local leadership in their provinces to register their names for the verification process, as well as to submit business plans as clusters to benefit from the revolving fund,” he said.
Cde Makombe emphasised that strict accountability measures would be enforced for the investment package, assuring that every cent would be accounted for to ensure all 1,2 million members of the Children of Zimbabwe Liberation War Legacy Association (CZLWLA) benefit.
“This is no ordinary fund, and we must make good use of it. If one cluster receives the money, they must implement the agreed income-generating projects and pass it on to the next,” he said.
He said that several ministries would be involved in managing the fund to ensure transparency and inclusivity.
“We appreciate President Mnangagwa for spearheading this programme. We also acknowledge the efforts of the Minister of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle, Monica Mavhunga, and we’ll be working closely with her. We’ll also collaborate with the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, Tino Machakaire, and the Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, Tatenda Mavetera, among others, to ensure there is no corruption or nepotism in the disbursement of the funds,” he said.
Cde Makombe commended Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa Junior, the association’s patron, for his leadership and commitment to creating employment opportunities.
“Cde Emmerson Junior is a child of a war veteran, so he has every right to be with us, and we appreciate his efforts. We had over 10 000 children of war veterans converge in Gweru for the launch, and we want the money to reach them at district level.
“This money is not for personal benefit. We reject those who think they can misuse the funds without helping those at grassroots level,” he said.
Cde Makombe also noted that President Mnangagwa had introduced other empowerment initiatives for children of war veterans, including the provision of residential stands and tractors.
“We are fortunate to have a listening President, who has pledged to provide us with stands and tractors as part of our empowerment. We deeply appreciate his ongoing efforts to lift us out of poverty. When we have a leader actively seeking ways to support us, we acknowledge and place our trust in his promises,” he said.
Launching the programme, Dr Tungwarara said the scheme was more than just funding — it was a strategic pathway to self-reliance, dignity and active citizenship.
“Crucially, it provides targeted financial support. This is seed capital designed to empower you to start or expand viable Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). This is not a handout; it is an investment in your potential and in Zimbabwe’s future. You will not walk this path alone. The scheme will connect you with experienced mentors, successful entrepreneurs, business leaders and technical experts to guide you through the challenges of starting and growing a business.
“The goal is to transform you from aspirants into owners of thriving businesses, owners of your skills and ultimately, owners of your destinies,” said Dr Tungwarara.
