Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
PRESIDENTIAL War Veterans Fund beneficiaries have been urged to launch high-impact projects that will contribute to the development of their local economies.
Speaking recently during the launch of the Matabeleland South Presidential War Veterans Fund, Special Presidential Investment Advisor, Dr Paul Tungwarara, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to fulfilling its promises to war veterans, stating that the initiatives would continue to expand.
Currently, the fund is providing housing, interest-free loans, boreholes and other benefits to veterans of the liberation struggle.
Dr Tungwarara mentioned that provinces, which properly utilise their allocations under the fund will receive an additional US$350 000.
He emphasised that the Second Republic is determined “to walk the talk” and deliver on its promises, adding that he has been informed that some war veterans from the province have already put the money to good use.
“The Presidential War Veterans Fund has benefitted all provinces, with each province receiving US$150 000. I understand that this fund has helped war veterans from this province, who are involved in various projects such as poultry farming, mining and manufacturing, among others,” he said.
“I would like to urge all those who have benefitted and those who are yet to benefit, to put the money to good use. We don’t want small projects merely for the sake of using the funds. We want large-scale projects that will play a significant role in the development of our local communities,” Dr Tungwarara added.
“Let’s establish businesses that will create jobs. If we bring about significant development at the community level, then this will translate into national development.”
He urged war veterans to identify gaps in their local industries and explore business opportunities using the funds.
Dr Tungwarara stated that the Government respects war veterans and values their role in the nation’s development, hence the continuous efforts to improve their welfare. He further encouraged veterans to support the Government’s development agenda, which aims for a prosperous economy by 2030.
Dr Tungwarara highlighted that President Mnangagwa has promised that by 2030, each war veteran will have a house and borehole, with work already underway to fulfil this commitment.
He also urged youths to tap into the wisdom of liberation war veterans and join them in safeguarding the revolutionary gains of the country.
A total of US$1.5 million has been allocated for the Presidential War Veterans Fund, with each province receiving US$150,000 as part of ongoing efforts to economically empower the country’s liberators.
The fund, which was recently officially launched in Harare, will provide interest-free loans to war veterans, enabling them to start businesses and achieve self-sufficiency.
The Presidential War Veterans Fund reflects the Government’s recognition of the contributions made by war veterans, ex-political prisoners, detainees, restrictees, non-combatant cadres and war collaborators.
Also speaking during the event, Zanu-PF national secretary for war veterans, Cde Douglas Mahiya, urged veterans of the liberation struggle to remain committed to the Government under the leadership of President Mnangagwa, who has their best interests at heart.
“Our focus should be on developing our economy and nation, working together with President Mnangagwa, who has said no one and no place will be left behind. As we are witnessing today, the President has stood by his word, with interventions that are uplifting war veterans. We have long awaited this intervention,” he said.
Cde Mahiya further implored war veterans to unite and work together in support of what they fought for during the liberation struggle, under the philosophy: “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo” (A country is built by its people). He urged veterans of the liberation struggle in the province to stand their ground and support the party.
Cde Mahiya said war veterans have a duty to preserve the history and legacy of the country’s struggle, adding that the Second Republic, under President Mnangagwa’s leadership, continues to recognise the efforts of the veterans of the liberation struggle. — @DubeMatutu
