The Minister of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs, Monica Mavhunga, says the government is aware of the plight of war veterans and their dependants and must ensure that they receive adequate support.
Speaking during the first quarter meeting of the boards under her ministry on Friday last week, Mavhunga said (via NewZimbabwe.com):
The challenges facing our veterans and their dependents are multi-faceted. They range from access to quality healthcare and education to opportunities for economic empowerment.
It is incumbent upon us to develop innovative strategies and initiatives to address these challenges comprehensively and effectively.
As you hold this meeting, you must remain mindful of the unique challenges facing our veterans and heroes’ dependents, particularly as they age.
Our veterans have sacrificed so much for our nation, and we must ensure that they can age gracefully with the dignity and respect they deserve.
The four boards under Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs are the Veterans of the Liberation Struggle, the Heroes Dependants Assistance Board, the Veterans Investment Cooperation Board and the Power Zimbabwe Board.
She said the prioritisation of war veterans welfare will ensure that their legacy lives on for generations to come. Said Mavhunga:
What sets our boards apart is that they are composed of veterans and spouses of veterans, individuals who bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and empathy to our discussions.
By prioritising the welfare and economic empowerment of our veterans, their families and heroes’ dependants, we not only honour their sacrifices but also ensure that their legacy lives on for generations to come.
Mavhunga said her ministry is undertaking a mop-up vetting exercise and a budget of ZiG$41 billion has been availed for the process. She said:
In our budget this year we allocated ZiG41 billion to complete the exercise that’s for mop-up vetting… those vetted in 2022, and those we are to vet this year, and gazetting is done such that people will be able, maybe to flush out those who might have infiltrated the system.
So, after vetting that’s when some consideration for what they are supposed to be getting will be done.
The law recognises the four categories of the veterans of the liberation struggle: the war veterans, ex-political prisoners, detainees and restrictees, non-combatant cadres and war collaborators.
For one to qualify for the vetting process, he or she should have been 16 years old by December 31, 1979.
In 1997, war veterans pressured the Government to pay them $ 50,000 in gratuities and other benefits for their role in the liberation struggle.
Since then, war veterans have made numerous demands which include:
- University degrees
- Tax rebates for their suppliers
- Pension
- Medical and dental care
- Educational Assistance
- Funeral Assistance
- Gratuity
- Clear categorization of the Veterans of the Liberation Struggle members
- Tax and Duty exemption
- Quota system in Parliament and all government institutions and agencies
- Automatic promotion of serving veterans of the liberation struggle in State institutions
- Diplomatic passports
- Bravery medals and new identity cards
- Compensation of war victims and veterans of the liberation struggle living with disabilities
More: Pindula News
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