Story by Mercy Bofu-Matinha
GOVERNMENT initiatives aimed at empowering veterans of the liberation struggle are bearing fruit, with the Chisase Farm project in Masvingo emerging as a model for agricultural production, economic inclusion, and job creation.
Spread over 210 hectares and owned by liberation war veterans, youths, and the local community, the project has already cultivated more than 50 hectares, generating sustainable income and employment opportunities.
Veterans expressed gratitude for Government support and access to land and resources.
“We are happy with the direction that the government is taking in ensuring empowerment of veterans of the liberation struggle. Through the Veterans Investment Holding Company, we have started seeing progress on the use of resources allocated to us in the form of land, mines and game reserves. The funds generated will go directly to the Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Fund,” Major General Retired Gibson Mashingaidze said.
“The Second Republic is showing commitment to empowering us. Through this project here in Chisase, we are looking forward to producing a number of crops from traditional grains, wheat and sugarcane. This will empower us as war vets,” a beneficiary added.
The initiative also benefits the wider community, providing employment for youths and local residents.
“Through this project, there will be employment creation, meaning our youths and the community at large, despite being part of the project, will also benefit,” another veteran said.
Group CEO of the Veterans Investment Holding Company, Mr Cougan Matanhire, said the project is set for expansion.
“Here we have got 210 hectares of land, and we managed to utilise 53 hectares by growing sorghum. However, our plan is to set up a serious irrigation system where we will focus on sugarcane farming, horticulture, wheat and traditional grains. We are going to use all these resources to generate funds that will benefit our war vets,” he said.
Minister of War Veterans Affairs, Honourable Monica Mavhunga, who toured the project on Monday, reiterated Government’s commitment to similar initiatives nationwide.
“This project we are witnessing today is a result of deliberate government efforts to empower veterans of the liberation struggle through access to productive land. What we are now doing is to unlock the economic value of this investment for the benefit of our people.
“Our ultimate goal is to generate sustainable income that directly supports the Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Fund, while also ensuring that communities such as Chisase and the youth benefit from these initiatives. Through the Veterans Investment Holding Company, the Ministry will continue to administer and expand such projects in line with national development priorities under NDS2,” she said.
The Chisase Project Farm stands as a testament to the Second Republic’s commitment to veteran empowerment and inclusive agricultural development.
