The ZPRA Veterans Association has criticised the government’s intention to award medals and certificates to war veterans and civilian collaborators, questioning the significance and economic impact of such recognition.
The former freedom fighters argue that if the government genuinely intends to honour war veterans for their contributions during the liberation struggle, it should focus on providing economic opportunities and lifting the caveat act that prevents ZPRA fighters from accessing their properties.
“The government should provide real economic emancipation rather than empty medals,” said Petros Sibanda, Secretary General of the ZPRA Veterans Association. “Returning our properties would be a more meaningful way to honour our sacrifices.”
Last week at the Senate, Lovemore Matuke, the Minister of State for Presidential Affairs in the Office of the President and Cabinet, said the government is committed to prioritising the welfare of former combatants and war collaborators as part of this recognition initiative.
“This year, we expect a significant number of awards, and next year, we expect war collaborators to also receive medals. All the Ministers of State in the 10 provinces will be issuing certificates of appreciation for the role played by the war collaborators and other comrades who were not rewarded previously,” Matuke said.
Matuke added that a “comprehensive registration” of all former combatants would take place to provide necessary data and develop targeted assistance packages for the war veterans.
The former ZPRA fighters remain sceptical, calling for substantial economic support over ceremonial acknowledgements.
“What is the significance of such awards for suffering veterans, and why is there ongoing discussion about war veteran registration?” Sibanda questioned. “Which registration is this, since most veterans have already been recorded? The registers are with the Ministry of War Veterans, and they recently vetted veterans. All we want is for policy to be followed.”
The secretary-general accused government officials of “lying” when it came to providing solutions.
“When something related to war veterans is raised, it seems new to those listening, but for veterans, these are not new words. Such promises have been made for a long time but without action. What value are these medals?” he asked.
Sibanda said the government was obligated to implement the Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Act (Chapter 17:12) and stop making empty promises.
“There is a policy regarding veterans of the liberation struggle. If we can follow what is written in that policy concerning our welfare and economic emancipation, that would be best,” said the secretary general. “But if this rhetoric is just political without action or will, it doesn’t assist us. There is a dire need to discuss issues affecting veterans with veterans themselves. When you want to talk about us, talk to us.”
Sibanda lamented how most war veterans now appeared as charity cases in decision-making while their issues were ignored.
“Our issue is clear: all we want is action, not talk. We don’t know who can intervene in this. We have asked our president to follow up on this. If someone could ensure that things are put into action, that would be wonderful,” he said.
The secretary-general said that as former ZPRA fighters, they wanted the caveat act placed on their properties removed so they could regain their properties.
ZPRA properties were seized under the Unlawful Organisation Act in 1982 (Caveat No. 15 of 82) and transferred in January 1987 to the President of Zimbabwe (under No. 56 of 87).
“Once we have our properties, we can engage in economic activities. We are tired of hearing such empty rhetoric that does not lead anywhere,” Sibanda said, citing that talk of medals for the veterans was not new.
“Two years ago, before the passing of one of our national heroes Abraham Nkiwane, he, John Maluzo Ndlovu, Moffat Hadebe, the late Jane Ngwenya, the late Alfred Mangena, and Gibson Mayisa went to Harare to receive medals and a token of appreciation in the form of money. They only received medals and did not get that money.”
ZPRA Veterans Association Deputy Spokesperson Joachim Moyo added that the government should ask veterans how they need help to get back on their feet rather than imposing ideas.
“War veterans should be given a quota in Parliament where they can represent people. Why give certificates and medals now? Why should these be given by Ministers of State?” he asked. “Do these elderly people who lost limbs, lives, blood, and opportunities want those pieces of paper to decorate their rooms? Will that translate to the consciousness of our people on who veterans are? Will they receive respect?”
Moyo noted that some war veterans have lost their respect because of “devious” political actors who have used them as tools to curtail democratic movements.
“We never fought for an individual nor did we fight for Joshua Nkomo but for true liberation, and Nkomo knew that. But what we fought for has been reversed,” he said, adding that their confiscated ZPRA properties have remained seized, along with the economy.
“Our properties should be returned unconditionally so that we can empower ourselves and our communities.”
