Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
THE Government has embarked on a nationwide drive to identify key interventions that will strengthen the empowerment and development of veterans of the liberation struggle, guided by the 10 pillars of the National Development Strategy (NDS) 2.
Speaking during an interface meeting with veterans from Matabeleland South in Gwanda at the weekend, Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs Minister Monica Mavhunga said the fully-fledged ministry, which was established by President Mnangagwa, is mandated to ensure holistic attention to the welfare, empowerment and recognition of liberation war veterans. She said their empowerment remains central to the attainment of Vision 2030.
Minister Mavhunga said the ongoing national outreach meetings are a crucial feedback platform that will inform the ministry’s planning, programming and finalisation of its five-year strategic plan.
“The feedback from veterans of the liberation struggle across the country will feed into the Ministry’s five-year strategic plan,” she said.
The programme began with a visit to the Gwanda Provincial Heroes Acre, where more than 40 liberation heroes and heroines are buried. Minister Mavhunga, together with the Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe, led the laying of wreaths on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
The dignitaries also toured the provincial shrine to assess its state and identify gaps requiring attention.
“As a Ministry, we have approached the season for strategic planning, aligning to the National Development Strategy 2, 2026–2030. It is prudent to hold such meetings to ensure that your aspirations are covered in the Ministry’s strategic plan for the next years,” said Minister Mavhunga.
“As I share updates on progress that has been made, I look forward to your insights and experiences during our interactive session as we collectively chart the way forward,” she said.
Minister Mavhunga said the Ministry is in the process of amending key pieces of legislation under its purview to ensure they respond to emerging needs and evolving socio-economic realities.
The amendments seek to ensure that the veterans’ community receives enhanced and comprehensive benefits.
These Acts include the Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Act (Chapter 17:12), the National Heroes Act (Chapter 10:16) and the War Victims Compensation Act (Chapter 11:16).
Minister Mavhunga further revealed that 152 064 war collaborators and 10 937 non-combatant cadres have been vetted and consultations with the Minister of Finance, Investment Promotion and Economic Development are underway to facilitate the gazetting of vetted lists.
During the interface, the minister also fielded concerns and expectations from veterans in the province, outlining programmes covering education assistance for veterans and their children, medical and funeral benefits, non-monetary support, exhumations and reburials, empowerment and investment initiatives, farm mechanisation and housing.
Speaking at the same meeting, Minister Nguluvhe said since its establishment in 2017, the Second Republic has consistently introduced programmes designed to uplift the livelihoods of veterans of the liberation struggle.
He noted the reintroduction of a stand-alone Ministry of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs as one of the key steps taken to respond to the community’s welfare and economic empowerment needs.
“I would like to offer my heartfelt tribute to the brave men and women whose immense courage, unwavering resolve and profound sacrifice secured our nation’s independence and the freedoms we enjoy today,” said Minister Nguluvhe.
“Your struggle was not just a chapter in our history; it was the defining moment that shaped our destiny. This interface meeting serves as a crucial platform to engage, address challenges and explore opportunities for sustainable empowerment and well-being, in line with the Government’s commitment to honour and uplift veterans of the liberation struggle.”
In a speech read on his behalf by Harare East legislator Kevin Mutimbanyoka, the chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Defence, Home Affairs, Security Services and War Veterans Affairs, Exevila Maoneke, said veterans remain the custodians of freedom and the embodiment of national identity, resilience and sovereignty.
“The committee is committed to ensuring that the voices of veterans echo powerfully within the walls of Parliament. We are the bridge between their lived realities and the legislative action required to transform those realities,” he said.
—@DubeMatutu
