War vets slam government departments

Auxilia Katongomara Chronicle Reporter
WAR veterans in Bulawayo have said government departments are not playing their part in the burial of liberation war heroes as required at law. Speaking at the burial of liberation war hero Cde Stanley Ncube at the Bulawayo Provincial Heroes’ Acre yesterday, Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Bulawayo vice chairperson Killion Muvuthi said the Public Works Department was particularly failing to execute its duties.

He said war veterans incur costs to mobilise manpower to dig graves among other tasks that must be done by government departments.

“The PWD must do something, they must dig graves for us but always they come up with excuses of not doing so. They used to provide tools for us to use saying they don’t have manpower but now we’ve to source our own tools and manpower as well. The law states that government departments must support war veterans but they’re neglecting their duty. We’ve spoken to them countless times but nothing has been done,” said Muvuthi.

He said save for the uniformed forces, most government departments showed no interest when it came to the burial of war veterans.

“What’s in the constitution must be followed. I’m glad that the Department of Museums this time took heed of our advice because the grass is shorter. War veterans did a lot to liberate this country, being a war veteran isn’t something that you apply for, it’s a recognition of selflessness and dedication to liberate this country,” said Muvuthi.

Cde Ncube, whose liberation war name was Kenneth Bhebhe, became the 771st hero to be buried at the Provincial Heroes’ Acre following his death at Mpilo Central Hospital.

He joined the liberation struggle in 1977 and received military training at Mwembeshi and Chongwe in Zambia. After completing military training, Cde Ncube operated in the Hurungwe, Magurekure area in Mashonaland West Province.

His first operation was attacking Mana Pools Garrison under the command of Rodwell Nyika (Retired Brigadier-General Collins Moyo) which was completely destroyed.

Cde Ncube also operated in Vuti, Chenjiri and Sanyati, also in Mashonaland West Province. At independence, Cde Ncube was integrated into the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) before retiring from the army in 2003.