Story by Memory Chamisa
The governments ongoing efforts to support and uplift the lives of war veterans who played a critical role in the countrys liberation struggle continues to gather momentum, with three provinces receiving US$150 000 each this Saturday for the implementation of economic projects.
War veterans, ex-political prisoners, detainees and restrictees from Bulawayo, Matebeleland North and South provinces gathered at Stanley Square in Makokoba for the launch of the Presidential War Veterans Fund.
The three provinces have become the latest after Masvingo, Mashonaland Central and East have already received their allocation of funds from the national US$1.5 million fund.
The liberation stalwarts could not hide their joy as they look forward to life changing projects that will not only sustain them, but generations to come.
“We are grateful to the President for remembering us and we assure him of our unwavering support and that this fund will revolve to ensure everyone is able to benefit and leave a legacy for generations to come,” said a beneficiary of the programme.
“We saw this launch being done to other provinces and we were just wondering when our turn would come and the day is here. We are more than happy for this recognition by His Excellency. Thank you Mr President,” added another.
The ZANU PF leadership in the three provinces lauded his Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa for his vision of empowering the liberation stalwarts.
War Veterans League Secretary, Cde Douglas Mahiya said the initiative is part of a broader strategy to promote social justice and rectify historical imbalances faced by veterans.
“The Presidential War Veterans Fund will be cascaded to the countrys 10 provinces to ensure every war veteran benefits. Not only that, the President has also approved that each and every war veteran should receive a borehole at their homesteads just to support them,” he said.
President Mnangagwa has since approved the allocation of urban land for war veterans.
The land will be distributed in various urban areas, allowing veterans to establish homes and engage in entrepreneurial ventures across the countrys 10 provinces.
