Story by Courage Bushe
VETERANS of the liberation struggle in Kwekwe District have received more than US$10 000 from the Presidential Empowerment Fund to kick-start a range of income-generating projects.
The Second Republic’s commitment to recognising, honouring, and empowering liberation war veterans was evident as funds were handed over, providing tangible support to the freedom fighters and helping strengthen their economic participation.
This initiative is in line with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s vision for inclusive development under Vision 2030, which will see the former freedom fighters venturing into various life-changing projects.
“We want to thank our President through his special advisor, Mr Tungwarara, and our able Minister Ncube for coming on board at an opportune time. These funds will, by far, change the way we live, and we are very grateful,” a war veteran said.
“I express gratitude for the empowerment assets. We thank you for the several empowerment initiatives extended to war veterans nationwide. We will guard these projects jealously so that they continue to revolve,” a beneficiary said.
“We are grateful to President Mnangagwa for ensuring that resources are availed for efficient and fruitful implementation of the projects, and also appreciate the positive impact the initiatives will bring. The gesture recognises the important role we played as freedom fighters during the liberation war,” another war veteran said.
Government says the initiative aligns with the Constitution, which recognises the role of veterans of the liberation struggle before and after independence.
“In this regard, Midlands Province commends the Second Republic for restoring and upholding the image, dignity and economic empowerment aspirations of war veterans, cognisant of President Mnangagwa’s desire for broad-based and inclusive innovation, modernisation and industrialisation as we march towards the attainment of a prosperous and empowered upper-middle-income society by 2030,” Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Owen Ncube said.
Since the inception of the Second Republic in November 2017, the welfare of war veterans has been prioritised through various empowerment initiatives.
