Story by Zanele Masuku
UMGUZA – THE Government has launched a Heifer Pass-On Programme targeting veterans of the liberation struggle, in a move aimed at improving their livelihoods and aligning with national development goals under Vision 2030.
Launched in Mswelangubo, Umguza District, the scheme is set to benefit war veterans from Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South, and Midlands Provinces.
The initiative is being spearheaded by the Ministry of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs.
Ahead of the distribution, the beneficiaries received training in livestock management, including disease prevention, treatment, and general cattle care.
The programme is designed to ensure sustainability, with each veteran required to pass on a heifer calf to the next beneficiary once their cattle reproduce.
Speaking at the launch, the Minister of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs, Honourable Monica Mavhunga said, the initiative embodies the President’s vision of inclusive development.
“We are here at Mswelangubo district to fulfill the President’s mantra of leaving no one and no place behind. We are here to distribute heifers to the war veterans on a Heifer Pass-On Programme being spearheaded by our ministry. They will pass on the heifers once they give birth to their calves. We thank the President for empowering the veterans of the liberation struggle the cattle will go a long way economically empowering our Veterans,” she said.
Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association Chairperson, Cde Cephas Ncube, urged recipients to take proper care of the livestock and highlighted the potential long-term benefits for their families.
“This is a great gift that our fellow brothers should try and manage properly because it is part of the lives of black people. Their families will benefit if they manage them properly and it can help when it is time to pass it on to other veterans,” he said.
The beneficiaries expressed deep appreciation for the programme.
“This day will be etched in our memories forever. We will take good care of the cows and enjoy their benefits,” a veteran said.
“We are grateful to the President for this generous gift; we will nurture and treasure it,” a beneficiary said.
The Pass-On Heifer Programme marks a significant step in the Government’s broader efforts to uplift war veterans and promote sustainable livelihoods across rural communities, contributing to the realisation of Vision 2030.
