By Aldridge Dzvene
HARARE – President Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa has called on war veterans to remain united and actively contribute to Zimbabwe’s development agenda, while reaffirming Government’s commitment to improving their welfare through empowerment programmes, land ownership security and social support initiatives.
Addressing the 4th National Assembly of the War Veterans, Ex-Political Prisoners, Detainees and Restrictees League in Harare on Wednesday, President Mnangagwa described war veterans as the custodians of Zimbabwe’s liberation heritage and a critical pillar in safeguarding the country’s independence, sovereignty and democracy.
The President paid tribute to the sacrifices made by liberation fighters during the armed struggle, saying their courage and resilience laid the foundation for the freedom and independence enjoyed by Zimbabweans today.
He urged members of the League to preserve the values that guided the liberation struggle and to continue providing ideological leadership within ZANU PF and the broader society.
President Mnangagwa emphasized the importance of unity, discipline and adherence to the Party Constitution, noting that these principles remain essential for advancing the country’s modernization and industrialization agenda.
He said the National Assembly was taking place at a significant moment when Zimbabwe is consolidating the gains of independence and accelerating development projects aimed at improving the quality of life of citizens.
The President welcomed the assembly’s theme, “Empowering War Veterans; Securing Land Title for Lasting Legacy and Prosperity,” saying it reflected the strong link between the liberation struggle, land ownership and national sovereignty.
He reiterated that land remains the birthright of Zimbabweans and stressed that securing title deeds for war veterans and other citizens would strengthen economic empowerment and protect the legacy of the liberation struggle.
President Mnangagwa highlighted several programmes being implemented to improve the welfare of veterans, including the War Veterans Pension Scheme, housing projects and efforts to preserve liberation history through the dignified exhumation and reburial of fallen fighters.
He commended the Ministry of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs, the Fallen Heroes Trust and other stakeholders for their continued work in supporting veterans and preserving the nation’s historical heritage.
The President also applauded war veterans for their role in mobilising support for the Party and strengthening grassroots structures, urging them to remain exemplary ambassadors of ZANU PF policies and programmes.
As preparations gather momentum for the forthcoming National Cell Day, President Mnangagwa called on the War Veterans League to provide ideological guidance and leadership at cell and village levels to ensure that Party principles continue to be upheld.
He announced the scaling up of several empowerment initiatives, including the expansion of the War Veterans Family Wealth Trust Fund, support for productive land use, specialised health centres for veterans, entrepreneurship training, scholarships, vocational skills development, housing schemes and improved access to affordable financing.
President Mnangagwa said these programmes would be implemented under strong governance systems, transparent resource management and digital platforms to enhance efficiency and accountability.
The President further assured veterans that Government remains committed to supporting widows, children and dependants of liberation fighters while continuing efforts to document missing fighters and expedite exhumation and reburial programmes.
On regional and international issues, President Mnangagwa encouraged war veterans to promote Pan-Africanism, African unity and solidarity among liberation movements while rejecting neo-colonialism and all forms of external domination.
He also challenged the League to help instil patriotism, loyalty, hard work and national pride among young people, saying inter-generational solidarity was vital for safeguarding Zimbabwe’s future.
President Mnangagwa underscored the importance of unity within both the Party and the nation, warning against divisions that could undermine development and progress.
He concluded by urging delegates to formulate recommendations that strengthen Party unity, accelerate national development and address socio-economic challenges affecting communities across the country.
President Mnangagwa officially declared the 4th National Assembly of the War Veterans League open and wished delegates fruitful deliberations.
