Story by Memory Chamisa
Presidential empowerment programmes are gathering momentum, with veterans of the liberation struggle being the latest to benefit from a US$1.5 million fund.
In line with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s mantra of Leaving No One and No Place Behind, a fund for veterans of the liberation struggle has been unveiled.
The beneficiaries believe the Presidential War Veterans Fund reflects the government’s recognition of the contributions made by war veterans, ex-political prisoners, detainees, restrictees, non-combatant cadres, and war collaborators to Zimbabwe’s nationhood.
“This is unheard of since 1980. We applaud the President for remembering us in such an impactful way and the money will be put to good use as will ensure every waver in the constituency benefits and is afforded a chance to start a project or business of their choice,” a beneficiary said.
Another added, “I’m speechless, I never expected to witness this in my old age. The President has done something we never anticipated would happen. I already wanted to start a poultry project and have been given the chance which I am going to ensure is a success at the fund keeps revolving.”
The programme has since been launched in three provinces.
“The President has shown he is a leader who incorporates everyone for economic development and one cannot deny the work he has done to uplift youths, women, and now war veterans. I’m excited about the programmes that are going to be implemented this year through this fund and what’s amazing about this is how the President has said no interest will be charged to those who will access the fund, what more can you want from our President,” Chikomba West legislator Honourable Tatenda Mavetera said.
Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Ezra Chadzamira said, “This is a programme that will not only capacitate our veterans but will ensure that they contribute economically to the country’s vision through various initiatives they will implement from the fund. Everyone is set to benefit and systems are going to be put in place to ensure transparency and accountability.”
War Veterans League Secretary, Cde Douglas Mahiya said a Trust will be opened and structures put in place for efficient distribution of funds to all the provinces.
“The President is a man who walks the talk and he has assured war veterans that they will be capacitated and cushioned against economic challenges bedeviling the country and he has lived to his word. Today, Masvingo and Mashonaland Central have received part of their share and other provinces will follow suit. The National Executive gathered here has since approved the Trust that will see them borrowing money and will be used as collateral.”
Special Presidential Investment Advisor to the United Arab Emirates, Dr Paul Tungwarara highlighted the significance of the fund in capacitating war veterans and retaining their dignity.
“This is just the beginning, the President assigned me to look for funds through various business ventures to capacitate and empower people and that’s what we are doing through various source markets where we want all of the products be it farming, mining, value-added, and sold abroad. As witnessed today, he has given back dignity to the veterans of the struggle through this US$100 000 Fund at zero interest. What more can you want from such an exemplary leader who has people’s interests at heart.”
The developmental trajectory being spearheaded by the Second Republic is expected to accelerate the country’s economic transformation to an empowered, modern, prosperous, and highly industrialised society by 2030.
The War Veterans Fund will provide interest-free loans to war veterans, enabling them to start businesses and achieve self-sufficiency.
The fund will also be continuously reviewed and increased based on the honesty and diligence in repaying the loans so that others can also benefit.
