As Zimbabwe celebrates Heroes Day this Monday, the ZPRA Veterans Association has called on the government to go beyond speeches, monuments and commemorative ceremonies by taking concrete steps to improve the welfare of veterans of the liberation struggle, many of whom continue to live in poverty despite their contribution to the country’s independence.
Heroes Day is celebrated annually in honour of people who died or played a role in the liberation struggle that culminated in independence in 1980.
In a statement issued ahead of the national holiday, the association said the government must ensure that all legally recognised categories of liberation struggle veterans receive meaningful national recognition, empowerment and support.
The categories include War Veterans, Political Detainees and Restrictees, Non-Combatant Cadres and War Collaborators.
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“As Zimbabwe commemorates Heroes Day, the ZPRA Veterans Association joins the nation in paying tribute to the men and women whose courage, sacrifice and unwavering commitment brought freedom and independence to our country,” the association said.
The former fighters said Heroes Day should not only be a day for commemorating those buried at national shrines, but should also recognise the broader contribution of people who participated in the liberation struggle.
“Heroes are not only those buried at national shrines. They include all those who contributed to the liberation of Zimbabwe and who are now legally recognised under the veterans of the liberation struggle framework, namely: War Veterans, Political Detainees and Restrictees, Non-Combatant Cadres, and War Collaborators,” it said.
The association said each category played an important role in the liberation struggle and that their collective sacrifices laid the foundation for independent Zimbabwe.
“However, remembrance alone is not enough. Heroes Day must also be a day of reflection and accountability,” said the former ZPRA fighters.
“The liberation struggle was fought to achieve justice, equality, economic empowerment, human dignity and a better life for all Zimbabweans. The nation must honestly evaluate the extent to which these ideals are being realized and renewed for future generations.”
The veterans’ association said it remained concerned that many former liberation struggle participants continued to face serious socio-economic challenges decades after independence.
“Many members of the legally recognised categories of veterans of the liberation struggle – War Veterans, Political Detainees and Restrictees, Non-Combatant Cadres and War Collaborators – continue to face serious socio-economic challenges despite their historic contribution to the birth of the nation,” said the former fighters.
“Many still live in poverty, without adequate access to opportunities and benefits consistent with the sacrifices they made during the struggle.”
These sentiments come amid continued concerns among liberation war veterans over the implementation of government programmes and benefits intended to improve their welfare.
Read: https://cite.org.zw/war-veterans-say-benefit-delays-persist-despite-government-assurances/
The association called on government and relevant institutions to speed up efforts to address the challenges facing veterans and ensure that no category is excluded from national support.
“We therefore call upon the government and all relevant institutions to accelerate efforts aimed at improving the welfare of War Veterans, Political Detainees and Restrictees, Non-Combatant Cadres and War Collaborators, and to ensure that no category of those who contributed to the liberation struggle is excluded from national recognition, empowerment and support,” said the former fighters.
The association also called for unity, peace and sovereignty, saying Zimbabweans should focus on nation-building, economic development and social justice.
“The true measure of our respect for the heroes of Zimbabwe will not be found in speeches, monuments or ceremonies alone. It will be found in our determination to build a nation that reflects the values for which they sacrificed: justice, equality, opportunity, unity and prosperity for all,” said the war veterans.
The association urged Zimbabweans to use Heroes Day to reflect on the ‘unfinished mission’ of creating a country that fulfils the aspirations of those who fought for independence.
“Let this Heroes Day serve as a reminder that the gains of independence must be protected, expanded and shared by all citizens, and that the welfare and dignity of veterans of the liberation struggle remain a national responsibility,” the association said.
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