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Joseph Madzimure,
Zimpapers Politics Hub
The Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) has unveiled a 100-day work plan aimed at improving the welfare of war veterans across the country.
This came out at the association’s inaugural national executive committee meeting that was held at Zanu PF headquarters on Thursday.
The newly elected leadership led by Cde Cephas Ncube discussed strategies to uplift the lives of war veterans as well as preparations for the upcoming provincial elections scheduled for November 30, 2024.
Speaking after the meeting, Cde Ncube expressed confidence in the work plan, describing it as a pivotal initiative that will bring meaningful change to the lives of war veterans and their families.
“We have now produced a 100-day work plan. We are quite certain that we will achieve what we set out to do in the work plan.
“The work plan will be the game changer for the lives of the war veterans.”
He emphasised that the association plans to reach all districts, including remote areas such as Mbire, Binga, Chiredzi, and Mudzi, to address the needs of comrades directly.
“We will be going down to all the districts even in the remote areas such as Mbire, Binga, Chiredzi, Mudzi among others. We are going to visit the comrades in their respective areas and listen to their concerns.
“We are going to start new projects that will change the lives of War veterans and their families in their areas. The comrades will identify projects of interest and we will provide them with funding. We don’t want to impose on the comrades.”
This bottom-up strategy is designed to ensure that projects are tailored to the unique needs of each district, with the ultimate goal of empowering veterans and improving their livelihoods.
Cde Ncube described the work plan as a “game changer”, saying the association is determined to achieve its goals within the set timeline.
By focusing on district-based initiatives, the association hopes to create sustainable opportunities that will have a lasting impact on the lives of war veterans and their families.
In addition to the work plan, preparations for provincial elections are well underway. The elections, set for this Saturday, will take place in all 10 provinces, with voting being conducted through electoral colleges comprising members of the national, provincial, and district executives.
The association has deployed members of its national executive to supervise and monitor the elections to ensure transparency and fairness.
Each province will be led by a designated team leader from the national executive, with resources being mobilized to guarantee smooth operations.
In Bulawayo, Cde Robson Ngwenya will be the team leader, Cde Starling Mao-Mao (Manicaland), Cde Gift Kagweda (Harare), Cde Gilbert Zhowa (Mashonaland East), Cde Charles Muchena (Mashonaland West), Cde Benjamin Nyamweda (Mashonaland Central), Cde Phenias Moyo (Masvingo), Cde Otilia Sibanda (Midlands), Lucas Mushambin (Matebeleland South), Cde Staline Dhlowe (Matabeleland North).
ZNLWVA’s secretary-general, Cde Samuel Parirenyatwa, confirmed that voting will be conducted under the association’s constitution.
District registers, compiled and approved by district, provincial, and national leadership, will serve as the voters’ roll. Strict guidelines have been put in place to maintain order and credibility.
These include barring losing candidates for chairmanship positions from contesting for other roles and requiring all candidates to have a clean criminal record and demonstrate ideological alignment with the association’s values. Acts of misconduct will result in automatic suspension.
The association recently held a successful national elective congress in Gweru, which set the stage for these provincial elections.
Cde Parirenyatwa expressed confidence that the elections will proceed peacefully and align with the association’s constitution.
The leadership is optimistic that this process will strengthen the association and enhance its ability to represent and serve war veterans effectively.
Online Reporter