The Minister of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle, Monica Mavhunga, says the ministry is working on operationalising three Acts and engaging in strategic collaborations to enhance the standard of living for war veterans, former political prisoners, detainees, restrictees, non-combatant cadres, war collaborators, heroes dependants and victims of war.
The minister said they would also conduct a vetting mop-up exercise to cater for those who missed the initial vetting exercise, after which all the names of successful comrades would be gazetted.
This development comes as former freedom fighters, particularly the ZPRA Veterans Association called for the creation of a Statutory Instrument to solidify government support for liberation war veterans, particularly regarding vetting and allowance concerns.
Addressing war veterans in Entumbane Suburb in Bulawayo on Sunday, Mavhunga said their mandate was to improve the livelihood of the former liberators which was why it was working on operationalising the law.
“I wish to inform you that our mandate as your ministry is to improve the livelihoods of War Veterans, ex-political prisoners, detainees, restrictees, non-combatant cadres, war collaborators, heroes dependents and war victims,” Mavhunga said.
“In fulfilling this mandate the ministry is tasked with operationalising three crucial Acts, which are: Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Act (Chapter 17:12), War Victims Compensation Act (Chapter 11:16) and The National Heroes Act (Chapter 10:16.”
The minister said in their “relentless pursuit” to carry out the mandate of improving the war veterans’ welfare, the ministry has embarked on a series of meetings with key line ministries. “These include the Ministry of Land, Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development; Ministry of Health and Child Care and the Ministry of National Housing and Social Amenities among others,” Mavhunga said.
“Through these collaborative efforts, we aim to harness the collective expertise and resources of various government departments to better serve you.”
By creating partnerships with these ministries, Mavhunga said they could explore innovative solutions and initiatives that address the multifaceted challenges faced by war veterans. “Whether it is access to healthcare services, affordable housing, education or opportunities for economic empowerment we are committed to working hand in hand with our colleagues to make sure that your needs are met,” she said.
The minister added she also recently signed performance contracts with chairpersons of the veterans investment companies to hold them accountable for their performance and make sure they fulfil their mandate to generate wealth for the veterans.
“We are also pushing for the extension of the 20 percent quota policy which is currently applicable only to land to encompass all sectors of the economy,” Mavhunga said.
The minister said the ministry would also conduct a mop-up vetting exercise to ensure all qualifying veterans were registered.
“Before the vetting, there was preliminary registration that was done. The registration produced over 200 comrades but when people came for the last vetting exercise, not all of them had the chance to be vetted. We are going to carry out a mop up vetting exercise in a short space of time,” said the minister.
“The money was allocated and after the mop up exercise, we will gazette the names of all those who have been vetted to try and flush out infiltrators. Please bear with us. We are coming with the mop up vetting very soon.”
Meanwhile, the Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Professor Mthuli Ncube who was also at the meeting claimed the government would continue to support the war veterans’ welfare and empowerment initiatives to enhance their livelihoods.
“In this regard, the government is ceased with accelerating the finalisation of the vetting of war collaborators and non-combatant cadres and the subsequent determination of their benefits, which will be shared in the not so distant future,” he said.
“This is an ongoing programme as Minister Mavhunga has said and we at Treasury are supporting it.”
The finance minister said the recent establishment of a dedicated Ministry for War Veterans, signifies the government’s commitment to address the welfare and economic empowerment needs of veterans of the liberation struggle, heroes dependants and war victims.
“In this regard, in the 2024 National Budget I allocated ZWL$221.8 billion, now 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 your dependents, mop up vetting exercise and capacitation of provincial and district structures,” Prof Ncube said.
The finance minister added that the government will also conclude the transfer of assets, which at a national level will give added levels of income to support the Ministry of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle.
“For example some of these are mining assets, we have easily more than 21 gold claims spread across the country. We have a few farms. I have counted at least six farms that will be transferred to the Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Fund and the Board to make sure they manage these assets properly and hunting concessions,” he said.
“I am aware that there is a financial institution being created to make sure that the war veterans have their own bank so it would be easy for you to borrow and receive investment interest. All these initiatives are aimed at supporting our war veterans.”
