President Mnangagwa has reaffirmed the government’s dedication to supporting war veterans through empowerment projects and enhanced access to social services.
The President said this while addressing the first National Assembly of the Zanu PF War Veterans, Ex-Political Prisoners, Detainees, and Restrictees in Harare yesterday. He emphasised the importance of providing technical assistance to help war veterans benefit from the opportunities offered by the Second Republic.
President Mnangagwa called for comprehensive proposals from the War Veterans League, highlighting the creation of the Ministry of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs and the War Veterans Board to address veterans’ specific needs. He stressed the necessity of innovative and strategic approaches to support their welfare and integration into the economy.
The President underscored the significance of maintaining the dignity of war veterans and citizens as Zimbabwe works towards Vision 2030. The government is committed to improving access to social services, including education, pensions, medical facilities, and counseling.
He urged a focused effort on the War Veterans Family Trust to secure collateral for veterans’ projects.
Government ministries, departments, and agencies were directed to facilitate war veterans’ participation in sectors like agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and tourism. The President praised the leadership of the war veterans for organising various programs and called for adherence to principles of peace, unity, discipline, patriotism, loyalty, perseverance, and respect.
Highlighting the importance of political awareness, President Mnangagwa called for a thorough restructuring of the War Veterans League at all organisational levels. He warned against any actions that could undermine the party and emphasised strict adherence to the party’s constitution and policies.
He addressed specific issues affecting war veterans, condemning the withdrawal of offer letters and permits that harm widows and children of war veterans. The President demanded accountability from public service officials involved and called for continued efforts to identify, exhume, and rebury liberation struggle veterans, ensuring affected families find closure, with all expenses covered by the government.
Acknowledging the role of war veterans in mobilizing support for Zanu PF, President Mnangagwa urged them to stay active and informed about party initiatives.
The assembly’s theme for this year, “Force of the past, power of the present and inspiration of the future,” reflected on the liberation struggle.
President Mnangagwa also expressed condolences to Iran following President Ebrahim Raisi’s death in a helicopter crash, noting President Raisi’s support for Zimbabwe and the strengthening of bilateral relations during his state visit.
