The Government has officially launched the Presidential Stands for Veterans of the Liberation Struggle, a housing initiative to provide secure and dignified accommodation for veterans of the liberation struggle.
The project is being implemented in partnership with Prevail Group International, owned by Paul Tungwarara, who also serves as a Special Presidential Investment Adviser.
Prevail Group is tasked with securing 50,000 housing stands across the country through the Ministry of Local Government, servicing them, and distributing them to the intended beneficiaries.
Tungwarara, however, has drawn criticism for his accumulation of lucrative state contracts without competitive bidding, often under programmes branded with the “Presidential” label.
Doubts have been raised about the actual number of surviving war veterans, with the Government’s own estimates suggesting fewer than 30,000 remain. This discrepancy has sparked concerns over the true beneficiaries of the scheme.
The launch ceremony was attended by several senior Government officials, including Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe, Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs Minister Monica Mavhunga, and representatives of Prevail Group, led by Tungwarara.
Coming 45 years after the end of the liberation war, the timing of the programme has also raised eyebrows. Many surviving veterans are now elderly and financially destitute, casting doubt on their ability to build homes even if they receive the stands.
Critics suggest the initiative may be politically motivated, to appease disgruntled war veterans who have voiced their frustration over living in poverty and have even called for President Mnangagwa’s resignation.
Mnangagwa is reportedly seeking to consolidate the support of war veterans as he eyes an extension of his presidency beyond the constitutional two-term limit, which expires in 2028. Some observers believe he could be planning to remain in power until at least 2030.
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Harare on Wednesday, Minister Garwe said the programme reflected the Government’s deep appreciation of the sacrifices made by liberation war heroes. He said:
Our Constitution provides for the accord of honour, respect and economic empowerment for our veterans.
As such, the Second Republic has, from its inception, put this into practice by appointing the Ministry of War Veterans. So, the Second Republic is concerned about the welfare of the veterans.
Some of the programmes spearheaded by Tungwarara include the Presidential War Veterans Borehole Scheme, the Presidential War Veterans Housing Scheme, the Presidential War Veterans Fund, and the Presidential Solar Programme.
More: ZimLive
War Veterans are the skewers to pull meat from the fire in hot ashes..Why talk, talk of helping veterans, doing nothing on the ground for the. Nothing concrete is being done by this so-called second Republic for War Veterans. War Veterans are getting paid Monthly $155. ridiculous salary for our Freedom . Many things are promised to them, but nothing is given to them
War Veterans are the skewers to pull meat from the fire in hot ashes..Why talk, talk of helping veterans, doing nothing on the ground for them. Nothing concrete is being done by this so-called second Republic for War Veterans. War Veterans are getting paid Monthly $155. ridiculous salary for our Freedom Fighters. Many things are promised to them, but nothing is given to them