Online Reporter
Herald Reporter
GOVERNMENT has availed walking tractors to war veterans as part of efforts to empower them.
The first batch of 12 tractors was handed over to war veterans in Harare yesterday.
First to benefit were A1 farmers, who are working on relatively small pieces of land where mechanisation will make the greatest immediate impact.
The tractors will reduce the burden of manual work, increase productivity and enhance food security, thereby transforming households and communities.
Speaking at the handover of the tractors and assets from Power Zimbabwe to the Veterans Investment Holdings Company, Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs Minister Monica Mavhunga said the tractors sought to empower the true heroes and heroines of Zimbabwe.
“The tractors represent the practical tools you need to make your land productive. Let us leave this gathering renewed in our commitment to building a prosperous Zimbabwe, where every veteran of the liberation struggle enjoys the dignity, security, and opportunities they fought for,” said Minister Mavhunga.
The tractors were handed over to deserving comrades, selected from Matabeleland South, Matabeleland North, Midlands, Mashonaland West, Mashonaland East and Masvingo provinces.
“Let me emphasise, our comrades in the remaining provinces have not been forgotten. The ministry has made deliberate plans to ensure that they will certainly be included in the next phase. Inclusivity and equitable development underpins consignment as resources are mobilised. These principles guide the conduct of business by the Second Republic under the astute leadership of President Mnangagwa,” she stated.
Minister Mavhunga said support to the community of A1 farmers is ample demonstration of Government’s recognition of the immense contribution it makes to both household and national food security.
The first consignment was evenly distributed between six female veterans and six male veterans, in line with Government’s commitment to gender equity and the recognition that the liberation struggle was fought and won by both men and women.
“All categories of our veteran community have been considered in this gesture, demonstrating that every veteran matters and every contribution is valued.
“The beneficiaries selected today are A1 farmers who are working on relatively small pieces of land, where mechanisation will make the greatest immediate impact. These tractors will reduce the back-breaking burden of manual labour, increase productivity, and enhance food security, thereby transforming households and communities,” she said.
She commended President Mnangagwa for coming up with empowerment policies.
The mantra of “leaving no place and no one initiative is directly aligned with President Mnangagwa’s drive to ensure that veterans are not only honoured in word, but also empowered in deed.
The tractors were sourced by Mr Peace Ndhlovu to support war veterans.
“I challenge all dependants of war veterans across our beloved nation Zimbabwe to emulate this powerful example.
“Patriotism is not just about celebrating independence; it is about actively contributing to the welfare and empowerment of those who made independence possible. This patriotic act is a clarion call to all our youths to embark on productive activities,” she said.
