War vets applaud President for empowerment efforts

Rutendo Nyeve ,Sunday News Reporter

THE War Veterans League has praised President Mnangagwa for significantly improving their lives through a series of transformative programmes focused on political recognition, empowerment and economic development. 

The sentiments were expressed during the launch of the Bulawayo, Matabeleland North and Matabeleland South Presidential War Veterans Fund and Village Business Unit Empowerment Programme at Stanley Square in Makokoba yesterday.

The historic initiative aims to honour and uplift the lives of the country’s war veterans, underscoring the Government’s commitment to recognising their sacrifices and integrating them into the economic development agenda. 

Speaking at the launch of the War Veterans Empowerment Fund, Special Advisor on Investment to the President Dr Paul Tungwarara emphasised the President’s unwavering dedication to improving the livelihoods of war veterans. 

“Today marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to our war veterans. These brave men and women laid the foundation for our nation’s freedom. It is our duty to ensure they are recognised and empowered in a meaningful way,” he said. 

At the core of this initiative is the allocation of US$1,5 million to a dedicated War Veterans Fund, with each of Zimbabwe’s 10 provinces receiving US$150 000. This interest-free fund aims to provide financial support for short-term projects that will empower war veterans while contributing to the country’s economic growth. 

Dr Tungwarara explained that the fund operates on a revolving basis, allowing war veterans to borrow, implement their projects and return the funds for others to access. 

“The President’s vision is clear, discipline and accountability will amplify the impact of this fund. The more disciplined you are in borrowing and returning the funds, the more resources will be made available,” he said. 

He added that the President has set an ambitious target for every province to access US$1 million by June this year, contingent upon responsible fund management.

In addition to financial support, President Mnangagwa has launched the Presidential War Veteran Drilling Scheme which prioritizes war veterans in the Government’s broader initiative to create village business units. Under this scheme, each war veteran will receive a personal borehole at their homestead, ensuring access to clean water and fostering agricultural productivity through irrigation.

To demonstrate the Government’s commitment, Dr Tungwarara revealed that two drilling rigs have already been procured for Matabeleland, with more to follow in other provinces. 

“The war veterans, under the guidance of their leadership will alternate the rigs to ensure every homestead has a borehole. We will provide fuel and casings, the rest is in your hands. This is a practical approach to empowerment,” he said. 

Dr Tungwarara reminded the war veterans of the President’s pragmatic leadership style. 

“We are not advisors of theories or stories. People do not eat theory they want practical solutions. The President is a practical man, and these programs are a testament to his commitment to improving lives.” 

Addressing the war veterans, Zanu-PF Secretary for War Veterans in the Politburo, Cde Douglas Mahiya, elaborated on the President’s unwavering commitment to addressing the long-neglected needs of war veterans who played a pivotal role in Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle. 

Cde Mahiya reflected on the challenges war veterans have faced over the past four decades, mentioning that after the ceasefire of the liberation struggle, the United Nations was supposed to implement the Disarmament, Demobilisation, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration (DDRR) programme, which unfortunately was poorly executed and underfunded, leaving many veterans in poverty.

“The first D is disarmament, which involves taking weapons from the war veteran. The second D, demobilisation, is meant to restore soldiers to civilian life. The next stage is to teach them skills that will be a source of livelihood. All these processes were not implemented properly by the United Nations or the Government. This is why war veterans are in their current state, with some living in poverty,” Cde Mahiya explained.

He emphasised that many people mistakenly believe that war veterans are incapable of contributing to society; the truth is they have been let down by a flawed demobilisation process. However, under President Mnangagwa’s leadership, war veterans have been given a new lease of life.

Cde Mahiya praised President Mnangagwa for uniquely recognising war veterans, starting with political acknowledgment. 

He described war veterans as political soldiers who played a critical role in mobilising the masses during the liberation struggle. 

“To ensure their voices are heard, President Mnangagwa established the War Veterans League within Zanu-PF, providing a platform for veterans to share their political insights and contribute to key policy matters. 

“In the history of Zanu-PF, the establishment of the War Veterans League has made history. Now, war veterans can express their concerns and contribute to key policy matters, as we now have a seat in the Politburo. All of this was accomplished by President Mnangagwa,” Cde Mahiya stated. 

This inclusion ensures that war veterans have a voice within the party and can actively participate in shaping the nation’s future. 

Beyond political recognition, President Mnangagwa has implemented practical programmes aimed at uplifting war veterans economically. 

Cde Mahiya highlighted the Presidential War Veterans Fund and the Provincial Borehole Drilling initiative as key examples of the President’s commitment to improving the livelihoods of war veterans. The Presidential War Veterans Fund provides financial support, enabling veterans to invest in income-generating projects. 

He urged his fellow war veterans to use the funds wisely, emphasizing the importance of productivity and self-sufficiency. 

“We want to demonstrate the productivity that can arise from this money given to us by the President. We want to show the President our success stories because of his love for us. So please, let us not squander this money on frivolities. As you heard, more funds are coming; let us utilize them to uplift our lives,” he urged. 

The Provincial Borehole Drilling initiative is another ground-breaking program that empowers war veterans to contribute to the nation’s agricultural development. By providing access to clean water for irrigation, the program not only improves food security but also creates opportunities for veterans to engage in sustainable farming. 

Cde Mahiya called on war veterans to seize the opportunities created by President Mnangagwa’s programmes. He emphasised the importance of unity, hard work, and responsible resource management for long-term success. 

“The War Veterans League has travelled around the country to assess the livelihoods of fellow veterans of the liberation struggle, and we recognise the important role we play in the nation’s economy. Let us work together to build a better future for ourselves and our country,” he stated. 

Cde Mahiya also urged relevant authorities to allocate land in urban areas for war veterans, emphasizing that this was a key reason they fought in the liberation struggle. He noted that while land has been provided in other regions, Bulawayo has yet to allocate land for residential housing for war veterans.

President Mnangagwa’s initiatives have not only restored hope to war veterans but have also positioned them as key contributors to Zimbabwe’s socio-economic development. 

Cde Mahiya said the era of neglect is over and a new chapter of empowerment and prosperity has begun for Zimbabwe’s war veterans.