Online Reporter
Zvamaida Murwira and Joseph Madzimure
THE participation of war veterans in national decision-making and their economic empowerment remain a top priority for the Government, with Zanu PF counting on their mobilisation capacity to win the 2028 elections, President Mnangagwa has said.
He said this yesterday while addressing the Third National Assembly for the War Veterans, Ex-Political Prisoners, Detainees and Restrictees League that was held at Zanu PF Headquarters in Harare.
President Mnangagwa, who is also Zanu PF First Secretary, said his Government established a fully-fledged ministry to look after the welfare of war veterans, a bold statement that showed the Second Republic’s commitment to improve their livelihoods.
“In my quest to ensure that we continue to secure your welfare and dignity, I set up a fully-fledged Ministry of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs. Under this ministry, modalities are already in place to advance welfare matters of veterans of the liberation struggle. These include constitutional obligations of honouring you,” he said.
Zanu PF First Secretary and President, Cde Mnangagwa, War Veterans League secretary Cde Douglas Mahiya (left) and National Political Commissar Cde Munyaradzi Machacha (right) at the 3rd War Veterans National Assembly at Zanu PF Headquarters in Harare yesterday. — Pictures: Believe Nyakudjara
“In addition, the participation of our veterans of the liberation struggle in decision making, governance and development institutions remains my Government’s area of priority.”
The President outlined several empowerment projects for the former freedom fighters that his administration has embarked on.
“The Second Republic, under my leadership, remains committed to empowering you, our war veterans. In this regard, I introduced the Presidential War Veterans Empowerment Schemes to assist you to improve your household incomes and lead a better quality of life. These include a revolving fund, housing project and borehole drilling programme, among others.
“I am enthused that the distribution of tractors, under the Presidential War Veterans Mechanisation Programme, has already begun. Through such initiatives, we must stand ready to increase our production and productivity, value-add and package our quality products for the benefit of our nation and also to export to other countries,” he said.
Members of the War Veterans League follow proceedings at Zanu PF Headquarters in Harare yesterday.
President Mnangagwa acknowledged strides made by the War Veterans League regarding the ongoing mobilisation exercise across all the country’s 10 provinces.
“Going forward, more so as we are now focusing on winning resoundingly the 2028 elections, it is my expectation that, as the War Veterans League, you scale up the implementation of your grassroots mobilisation programmes. More and more people must join the party.
“Zanu PF, musangano weruzhinji. Tose tinokwana (Zanu PF is a mass party; it accommodates everyone).”
President Mnangagwa noted that the Government is making progress across all sectors of the economy, such as in agriculture, mining, infrastructure development and tourism.
On the infrastructure front, the President said the rehabilitation of roads, such as the Beitbridge-Bulawayo, Bulawayo-Victoria Falls, Nkayi-Bulawayo, Mabvuku Interchange, Harare-Mazowe, Nyabadza-Makoni and Christmas Pass, is progressing well.
He further highlighted that other notable world-class infrastructural development projects carried out by the Second Republic include the Trabablas Interchange, which has improved road safety and reduced travel time for the general citizenry.
“The construction of Gwayi-Shangani and Kunzvi Dams, among other projects, is on course and being given the requisite support. The upgraded Mbare Musika Traders Market has provided economic opportunities and better infrastructure for our farmers, traders and citizens,’’ said President Mnangagwa.
President Mnangagwa with Presidential Advisor, Dr Paul Tungwarara.
Additionally, he said, the Geo-Pomona Waste Management Project has enhanced public health hygiene in the city of Harare.
“As we sustain this irreversible development trajectory, it is imperative for the War Veterans League, which is endowed with liberation war experiences and also technical expertise, to continue rendering support to the Government. The realisation of Vision 2030 of becoming a prosperous and empowered upper-middle-income society requires our collective efforts. After all, muZanu PF, ini newe tose tine basa.”
President Mnangagwa noted that the unity between veterans of the liberation struggle and the grassroots, under the political leadership of the party, worked effectively for the successful prosecution of the liberation war.
He urged war veterans to continue sharpening the party’s mass mobilisation approaches and strategies.
“As you go back to your respective villages, wards, districts and provinces, let us work harder to win the hearts and minds of the people. We should create platforms for communities and the youth of today to take a leaf from you, all our war veterans.
“We must bequeath to the nation that spirit of nationalism, patriotism, loyalty, discipline, respect and unity. These are the fundamental virtues that helped us fight for and win the country’s independence, freedom, democracy, territorial integrity and sovereignty,” President Mnangagwa said.
He reiterated the need for war veterans to continue toeing the correct line of the revolution, remain united and focused as the country moves towards the inevitable realisation of Vision 2030.
President Mnangagwa added that the Third National Assembly is critical for the existence of the League in the structures of Zanu PF.
Members of the War Veterans League at Zanu PF Headquarters in Harare yesterday.
He emphasised that the membership of the League was open to all liberation war veterans, combatants and non-combatant cadres, detainees and restrictees.
“You are a strategic constituency, as in your youth, you saw it fit to sacrifice everything to liberate our motherland from the shackles of colonial bondage.”
President Mnangagwa commended war veterans for resolutely shunning any form of negative influence from the erstwhile colonisers to safeguard the gains of the liberation struggle.
He urged war veterans to provide grounded wisdom, leadership, guidance, as well as demonstrate a spirit of nationalism, discipline, unity, loyalty and patriotism.
The Third National Assembly was held under the theme, “Beyond the Battlefield: Celebrating Courage, Loyalty and Commitment”.
“We are celebrating the courage, loyalty and commitment which formed the backbone of our liberation struggle. This should propel us as we march ahead towards achieving Vision 2030.
“As the ruling Zanu PF party, we are steering the Second Republic’s development programmes and projects anchored on our philosophy, Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatigwa nevene vayo/ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhulekelwe ngabanikazi balo”.
Meanwhile, President Mnangagwa handed over US$100 000 cash that was donated to the League’s national executive by Presidential Advisor, Dr Paul Tungwarara.
