Story by John Nhandara
THE Government empowerment programmes aimed at improving the welfare of veterans of the liberation struggle are gaining traction, with Murewa District of Mashonaland East Province being the latest to benefit.
The life of Cde Murambiwa Mujuru, a war veteran from Murewa, whose Chimurenga name was Cde Amigo Madenyika has turned the corner courtesy of the Presidential War Veterans Fund, Presidential War Veterans Housing Scheme, and the Presidential War Veterans Borehole Sinking Programme, projects that are running simultaneously to improve the welfare of the veterans of the liberation struggle.
Cde Mujuru, who received a furnished house, is among the beneficiaries of the Presidential War Veterans Programmes in Murewa District.
“I never imagined that I would live in such a nice house and I am grateful. We appreciate this programme and hope it will sustain us, our lives have been transformed.”
War veterans who attended the event also received bicycles and cash handouts.
All the country’s provinces have so far received at least US$150 000 under the Presidential War Veterans Fund, while boreholes and houses are also being built for war veterans to ensure they have access to clean water and decent accommodation as transforming their is high on the agenda.
“We want to grow this fund which is interest-free. We will continue to ensure lives of war veterans are improved. That is the reason why the President has sent us with these programmes,” Presidential Investment Advisor, Dr Paul Tungwarara said.
“What we are witnessing in the form of these modern houses here in Mashonaland East confirms the government’s commitment to improving the livelihoods of all citizens,” Mashonaland East Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Itai Ndudzo said.
The ZANU PF leadership commended the initiatives spearheaded by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, emphasising why the President should see his vision through to 2030.
“We have different programmes running concurrently and complementing each other. These include the war veterans’ family wealth trust. We have also been allocated land for development at Jumbo. Now we have these programmes and this is the reason why the President must fulfill his vision up to 2030,” ZANU PF Secretary for the War Veterans League, Cde Douglas Mahiya said.
“Zimbabwe is transforming and the President is recognising our war veterans. It is the reason why we want him to fulfill his vision up to 2030. We must not be swayed away by detractors and enemies of progress,” ZANU PF Provincial Chairperson-Mashonaland East Province, Cde Daniel Garwe.
However, the President has reiterated that he is a constitutionalist and will not extend his term beyond 2028.
