WATCH: Ministers meet Bulawayo war veterans

TREASURY has budgeted ZiG 88 million towards the welfare of former freedom fighters with President Mnangagwa being commended for establishing a dedicated ministry to ensure the concerns of war veterans are adequately addressed.

Ministry of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs, Cde Monica Mavhunga and her Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion counterpart, Professor Mthuli Ncube met freedom fighters in Bulawayo yesterday and assured them of Government’s commitment to improve their welfare.

The meeting was meant to address welfare issues affecting the former freedom fighters who were also meeting their new minister for the first time. In the past war veterans were under the Ministry of Defence.

During the meeting, the former freedom fighters in Bulawayo requested for the Government’s support as they seek to embark on horticulture farming.

In his response, Prof Ncube said the Government was committed to the betterment of the welfare of freedom fighters including the provision of mining assets.

“The 2024 National Budget allocated Z$221,8 billion (approximately ZiG88,8 million) towards your monetary and non-monetary benefits. These resources will also go towards your monthly gratuities, medical benefits, funeral grants, school fees for dependants, mop up vetting exercise and capacitation of provincial and district structures,” said Prof Ncube.

He said the Government will conclude the transfer of mining assets to the Ministry of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle during the course of the year. Prof Ncube said the assets will be housed under a special purpose vehicle, whose operations will grow the fund, which will entail reducing their dependence on the Treasury.

“All these Government initiatives are aimed at empowering our veterans of the liberation struggle. Furthermore, we must reaffirm our commitment to upholding the values for which you fought so valiantly.

“We must strive to build a society that is inclusive, equitable, and just, where the rights of all citizens are respected and protected,” said Prof Ncube.

He said the country needs to preserve and protect the memory of the liberation struggle ensuring that future generations understand the country’s price for freedom. Prof Ncube said it is the Government and society at large that must ensure that the needs of veterans are met with the utmost care and respect.

“To honour your sacrifice, the Government will continue to support your welfare and empowerment initiatives to enhance your livelihoods. In this regard, the Government is seized with accelerating the finalisation of the vetting of war collaborators and non-combatant cadres and the subsequent determination of their benefits,” he said.

Addressing the same gathering, Minister Mavhunga hailed President Mnangagwa for setting up a stand-alone ministry to look into the welfare of former freedom fighters.

“Let me begin by extending my deepest appreciation to our President His Excellency Dr ED Mnangagwa for his visionary leadership in establishing a dedicated Ministry to address the needs of the veterans of the liberation struggle. He is indeed a listening President as he responded to your calls when you were advocating for the creation of this ministry,” she said.

“This ministry now stands as a testament to His Excellency Dr ED Mnangagwa’s dedication to those who sacrificed for our country’s independence.

“Whether it’s access to healthcare services, affordable housing, education or opportunities for economic empowerment, we are committed to working hand-in-hand with our colleagues to ensure that your needs are met.”

Minister Mavhunga said she has also signed performance contracts with the chairpersons of Veterans’ Investment companies to promote accountability and creating wealth for former freedom fighters.

“We are also pushing for the extension of the 20 percent quota policy, which is applicable only to land, to encompass all sectors of the economy,” she said.

Minister Mavhunga commended Prof Ncube for taking interest in the welfare issues of the former freedom fighters saying most of their challenges require finances and he has initiated projects for them.

She also urged the freedom fighters to remain united and jealously guard the gains of the liberation struggle. — @nqotshili