Former ZPRA fighters have renewed calls for clarity over long-standing claims to properties owned by their investment vehicle, as the Minister of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs, Monica Mavhunga, said she could not provide a definitive update on the matter.
The issue was raised during an interface meeting held on Saturday at Stanley Square in Bulawayo, where ZPRA Veterans Association secretary general Petros Sibanda presented a series of grievances relating to welfare, recognition and representation.
A key concern was the status of properties held under NITRAM Private Limited, an investment company formed by former ZPRA fighters through joint contributions of US$50 each from their demobilisation payouts after Zimbabwe’s independence.
The properties, now estimated to be worth billions of US dollars, were confiscated by the government in 1982 under the Unlawful Organisations Act (Caveat No. 15 of 82) and later transferred to the President of Zimbabwe in 1987 (Caveat No. 56 of 87).
Successive attempts by former fighters and their parent organisation ZAPU to reclaim the assets have been unsuccessful.
Responding to questions on the matter, Minister Mavhunga said she was not in a position to give an update.
“I know there are offices that are dealing with it. If I say at what stage it is, I would be lying,” she said.
“Since you have raised it here, I will have to follow up. I know there are offices dealing with the issue, but I cannot say anything at this stage.”
Beyond the property dispute, Sibanda outlined broader concerns affecting veterans, including delayed benefits, limited access to land and mining opportunities, and weak implementation of government policies.
He said allocations of productive assets were often opaque and politically influenced, calling for a transparent system and a publicly accessible database of beneficiaries.
“Veterans must be prioritised in community share ownership schemes and natural resource ventures,” he said.
Economic grievances also featured prominently, with veterans saying pensions and stipends remain below the Poverty Datum Line amid rising inflation. Proposals included regular reviews of benefits, a minimum income floor linked to national wages, and the creation of a dedicated Veterans Welfare Fund.
Sibanda also raised concerns over access to education support for veterans’ children, saying some schools were rejecting official fee assistance letters. He called for clearer policy enforcement and reserved places in government training institutions.
Healthcare access was also raised, with veterans saying hospitals were not consistently recognising veteran identification cards. They proposed a dedicated Veterans Health Fund and designated service desks in public hospitals.
Delays in processing benefits for veterans vetted in 2022 and 2024 were also highlighted, with calls for clear timelines and regular public updates.
“Many promises remain unfulfilled,” Sibanda said, urging government to honour its constitutional obligations to veterans.
Recognition of liberation war heroes and funeral support for non-recognised veterans were also raised, alongside calls for more transparent criteria in the conferral of national hero status.
He further cited long-standing petitions submitted to Parliament since 2019, including proposals for a quota system to ensure veterans’ representation in legislative processes.
“Veterans played a central role in nation-building, yet they are not formally represented in Parliament through a quota system,” he said.
Sibanda also questioned access to empowerment funds, including a reported US$6 million facility, saying veterans needed clarity on how beneficiaries were selected.
He called for equal access regardless of political affiliation and proposed provincial monitoring committees involving veterans’ associations.
In response, Minister Mavhunga said government was engaging on welfare issues and acknowledged calls for improved support.
“On welfare, the issue has been raised in Parliament and in the national budget that veterans’ allowances must be increased. We will continue engaging to improve their conditions,” she said.
She urged veterans to maintain unity, saying internal divisions were weakening their collective voice.
“War veterans must speak with one voice. Without unity, it affects progress,” she said.
On communication gaps, she directed ministry officials to strengthen outreach through provincial and district structures.
However, ZPRA representatives said they remained dissatisfied with the responses, particularly on benefits and vetting processes.
The issue has also been raised in Parliament, where legislators have previously called for clearer updates on implementation progress and outstanding payments.
Are the War veterans two-tongued…..Why is she referring to “speaking with two voices”…. This appears to be a buried issue, given the minister’s near-negative responses….
Sooner we will see who the real revolutionaries are..cite you are right keep up the good work and the reason why those properties are still unlawfully held the pigs in animal farm are shit scared