A South African-based former ZIPRA combatant, Chandagwinyira Chose (whose chimurenga name was Sizwe Jacana), has accused the Zimbabwean government of neglecting war veterans.
He lamented that many Zimbabweans have forgotten the sacrifices made by those who fought against the oppressive Rhodesian regime, paving the way for the country’s independence in 1980. He said:
<blockquote>
It is disheartening to note that some war veterans remain unburied in various countries, including Mozambique, Tanzania and Zambia. May their souls rest in peace.
Furthermore, when we, as war veterans, approach politicians to address our concerns and those of the Zimbabwean people, we’re met with harassment.
</blockquote>
Jacana said the current leadership’s “oppressive behaviour,” is reminiscent of Ian Smith’s regime, leading some to believe that colonialism was preferable to the present government.
He said war veterans are not happy with the widespread emigration of Zimbabweans seeking better opportunities abroad. Said Jacana:
<blockquote>
This issue demands urgent attention and we must re-examine our priorities. Let us continue fighting for justice and equality.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has approved the allocation of urban land for war veterans, allowing them to establish homes and businesses in urban areas.
Furthermore, a revolving fund of US$1.5 million was introduced to support war veterans and their widows. This fund is aimed at financing income-generating projects, with each province receiving at least US$150,000.
Promises have been made to install boreholes at veterans’ homes as part of broader efforts to improve their living conditions.
However, some war veterans and activists have expressed scepticism about the government’s sincerity, accusing it of neglect and using these measures as political manoeuvres.
More: <a href="https://newsday.co.zw/southerneye/local/article/200039351/ex-zipra-cadre-laments-neglect-of-war-vets">Southern Eye</a>

Pindula News

A former soldier named Sizwe Jacana is sad because the government is not taking care of war veterans who fought for independence in Zimbabwe. He says some veterans are not even buried properly. He also thinks the government is mistreating the veterans when they ask for help. Jacana says the leaders are acting like the old colonial rulers. The President is giving land and money to veterans, but some people are not sure if it is a true effort to help or just a show. War veterans and activists are worried that the government is not really helping them.

Ex-ZIPRA Combatant Condemns Treatment Of War Veterans

ZANU PF Secretary for War Veterans, Douglas Mahiya, warned war veterans opposing President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s extended rule that they could be silenced indefinitely, reported <a href="https://cite.org.zw/mahiya-threatens-to-silence-war-veterans-opposing-mnangagwas-extended-stay-in-office/">CITE</a>.
His remarks were aimed at Blessed Runesu Geza and other veterans critical of Mnangagwa’s leadership, citing issues like corruption and cronyism.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police has launched a manhunt for Geza, who faces criminal charges, including theft, undermining the authority of the President and incitement to violence.
Mahiya also claimed that had Mnangagwa been less principled, ZANU PF could have declared a state of emergency to extend his rule, citing the sanctions imposed on the country as akin to a declaration of war by Western powers.
Mahiya made comments during the launch of a War Veterans Fund and empowerment programme in Bulawayo on Saturday. Said Mahiya:
<blockquote>
We were sanctioned by the West. That’s a sign that we are in a war. When a country has sanctions, when people are in a war, they can stop going for elections because they are in a war and declare a state of emergency.
Mnangagwa is a proper, listening, educated leader, but if the country was under someone else, we could have declared that ‘we are in a state of emergency and there are no elections.’ Then we would remove Mnangagwa from power only if he died…
The leadership we want is not one of a person who is highly educated or who has a character that we don’t know.
We want a leader who has a character and hunhu that we know, and that has been shown by Mnangagwa in the period that he has been running the country. He can extend his term so that the population can benefit.
So if you refuse, we have the right, although forbidden by the law, to act otherwise to stop you indefinitely from saying such things.
</blockquote>
Mahiya warned war veterans not to believe that their participation in the liberation struggle grants them the authority to oppose plans to extend Mnangagwa’s term, especially when the majority support it. He said:
<blockquote>
It doesn’t give you power, if you do not follow what people want, your going to Zambia and being a war veteran will be useless. You won’t have standing because you are ganging against the people.
I don’t expect, as the secretary of war veterans, to hear any other war veteran say the opposite because the party’s constitution says our duty as the league is to protect the interests of the party and its leadership, which is the resolution that was made here in Bulawayo. That is the interest of the party, and we also protect the leadership.
</blockquote>
A resolution from the ZANU PF National People’s Conference in Bulawayo last year called for amending the Constitution to extend Mnangagwa’s second and final term until 2030.

War veteran Douglas Mahiya warned other veterans who don't want President Mnangagwa to stay in power longer. He said they could be silenced forever. Mahiya is mad at Blessed Geza and others who criticize Mnangagwa for being corrupt and having too many friends in power. The police are looking for Geza because of criminal charges. Mahiya thinks the country is at war because of sanctions. He said if Mnangagwa wasn't a good leader, they could have declared a state of emergency to keep him in power. Mahiya warned war veterans not to go against the majority who want Mnangagwa to stay until 2030.

Mahiya: War Veterans Opposing "ED 2030" Will Be Silenced Forever

ZANU PF Bulawayo provincial chairperson and former war veterans’ leader, Jabulani Sibanda, has raised concerns about the risks of disunity in Zimbabwe, especially among the war veterans.
He believes that this fragmentation could pave the way for Western powers to re-colonise the country.
Speaking at the launch of the Presidential War Veterans Fund, Sibanda warned that enemies of the nation might exploit divisions to undermine Zimbabwe’s independence. He said (via <a href="https://newsday.co.zw/southerneye/local/article/200038130/were-in-danger-of-being-re-colonised-sibanda">Southern Eye</a>):
<blockquote>
This is the time to unite. The whites will be coming soon, United States President Donald Trump has announced withdrawal from some institutions under the United Nations. Even tomorrow, due to their strength, they can re-colonise Africa.
This is the danger that we are facing in Africa. We are full of resources, we are in danger from countries full of nuclear weapons and injections.
Those in the politburo should be like leaves of a tree. The destruction of a tree is noticed from the top.
I know they are people who enjoy positions because if people are scattered, they become the only ones in charge but that will not help them considering the danger ahead of us.
</blockquote>
Sibanda’s comments come at a time when frustration with Zimbabwe’s leadership is bubbling to the surface.
Some war veterans’ leaders are urging their fellow veterans to resist financial and material offers, believing these incentives are being used to win support for extending President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term.
Sibanda has called on Cephas Ncube, leader of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association, to play a key role in maintaining unity among the former freedom fighters. He said:
<blockquote>
We are tasking you, Ncube, to move around and meet all war veterans and preach unity. Those war veterans who view things in a different way I have nothing against them, but I call on them to consider unity.
</blockquote>
On Saturday, Mnangagwa showered war veterans with cash and gifts during the launch of the new fund in Bulawayo.
At the event, the Special Presidential Investment Advisor to the United Arab Emirates, Paul Tungwarara, handed out US$200 and a hamper to each war veteran, making sure they felt appreciated.
He also announced that each of Zimbabwe’s 10 provinces would receive US$150,000 to support short-term projects aimed at benefiting the veterans of the liberation struggle.

Jabulani Sibanda says Zimbabwe could be taken over by Western countries again if people don't work together. He warns that division among war veterans could weaken the country. Some war veterans are being offered money and gifts to support the president. Sibanda wants all veterans to stay united. The president gave cash and gifts to war veterans at a recent event. Each province will also get money to help veterans with projects. Sibanda thinks unity is important to protect Zimbabwe's independence.

Jabulani Sibanda Warns Zimbabwe In Danger Of Being Re-colonised

Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services Minister Jenfan Muswere has criticized a group of war veterans who opposed ZANU PF’s efforts to amend the Constitution and allow President Emmerson Mnangagwa to run for a third term.
At a press conference in Harare on Sunday, January 26, war veteran and ZANU PF central committee member Blessed Runesu Geza, along with five other veterans, called for Mnangagwa to step down, saying he was “not fit to run this country.”
The group also rejected any constitutional changes and dismissed Mnangagwa’s claim that he had no intention of staying in power beyond 2028.
In a statement on Tuesday, Muswere accused Geza of hypocrisy, pointing out that he had been a strong supporter of ZANU PF’s Resolution Number 1 from the 21st National People’s Conference, which calls for the President to remain in office until 2030. Said Muswere:
<blockquote>
We are concerned about the extent to which these individuals, while purporting to be members of the ruling party (and) bona fide members of the War Veterans fraternity, are not using legal and relevant structures to discuss their grievances.
It is unfortunate that these individuals have also played to the whims of demonising the President for reasons best known to them.
What is surprising is that such individuals, including Cde Blessed Geza, was one of the lead proponents of Resolution Number 1 of the 21st National People’s Conference which underscores the need for the President to remain in office until 2030. Cde Geza was among the conference delegates who lobbied for that resolution to be passed.
Therefore, it is surprising that today he is turning his back against a resolution he helped create. It is unfortunate that the bitterness he suffered from the 2018 primary election defeat is now causing him to go as far as rewriting the history of the President.
</blockquote>
Muswere called the press conference held by the war veterans a “charade” and suggested that they were ungrateful for the government’s support and contributions to war veterans. Said Muswere:
<blockquote>
This sense of self-contradiction and hypocrisy goes against the principles of basic honesty we expect from senior citizens and genuine war veterans.
This charade is very disappointing considering the magnitude of economic transformation that Zimbabwe has enjoyed under the leadership of the President His Excellency Cde Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa.
</blockquote>

War veteran Jenfan Muswere criticized other war veterans who don't want President Mnangagwa to run for a third term. He said they are ungrateful and hypocritical. Muswere thinks it's wrong for them to criticize the President, especially when they used to support him. He also said they are not following the right way to discuss their complaints. Muswere thinks the war veterans are being dishonest and ungrateful for the help they receive from the government. He believes the country has improved a lot under President Mnangagwa's leadership.

Muswere Labels War Veterans Opposing Mnangagwa Third Term As Ungrateful And Hypocritical

A group of war veterans has demanded President Emmerson Mnangagwa step down, describing him as “not fit to run this country,” reported ZimLive.
At a news conference in Harare on Sunday, 26 January, war veteran and ZANU PF central committee member Blessed Runesu Geza criticized Mnangagwa’s administration, suggesting that they might be acting on behalf of a military faction within the ruling party.
Geza, accompanied by five other men he introduced as commanders from ZPRA and ZANLA “who fought in the trenches to liberate this country”, declared that Mnangagwa had failed and should leave office peacefully. He said:
<blockquote>
It is clear to us that Mnangagwa has failed, he is not fit to run this country and his time to go is now!
We ask him to go peacefully. If he refuses to take heed of this advice, we have no option but to ask the no people of Zimbabwe to deal with a rogue president in line with the constitution.
</blockquote>
War veteran Knox Chivero, speaking after Geza, declared that it is Mnangagwa’s time to leave “peacefully or otherwise.”
The war veterans vowed to oppose any changes to the Constitution and dismissed Mnangagwa’s claims that he had no ambition to stay in power beyond 2028. 
Geza warned that such plans would “throw the country into disquiet.” He added:
<blockquote>
How do you claim not to be involved when your ministers appointed under your hand issue statements in support of this illegal and treacherous 2030 agenda?
Emmerson Mnangagwa on assumption of power showed that he was a man who had learned nothing… instead of correcting the mistakes of Robert Mugabe, he went about proving to all of us that Mugabe was actually a saint.
</blockquote>
According to Geza, Mnangagwa has “systematically targeted and purged war veterans in various arms of government and replaced them with crooks.”
Geza fumed that the president’s cabinet is filled with ministers “who either belong to his clan or are benefactors to his family through his children.” He added:
<blockquote>
Since assuming power, Mnangagwa has neglected civil servants who are now earning slave wages. Our men and women in uniform have lost their dignity even in the eyes of the public due to state-sponsored poverty.
</blockquote>
Geza claimed that the rising frequency of deaths of ex-generals was suspicious, adding that they believe the deaths are “linked to Mnangagwa’s blue-eyed boy Owen Mudha Ncube.”
Owen Ncube is the Gokwe-Kana MP, the Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, and also the former Minister of State for National Security.

A group of war veterans want President Emmerson Mnangagwa to step down. They say he is not a good leader for Zimbabwe. They say Mnangagwa has failed and should leave peacefully. They are worried about changes to the Constitution that would keep him in power longer. They also think Mnangagwa is getting rid of good people and putting his friends in power. The war veterans are unhappy with how things are going in the country and want Mnangagwa to go.

War Veterans Demand Mnangagwa's Resignation

Time Bank of Zimbabwe (Time Bank) has offered a US$3.5 billion compensation package to Zimbabwe’s liberation war veterans as part of its broader US$38 billion syndicated loan proposal to the government, reported <a href="https://www.theindependent.co.zw/local-news/article/200036183/time-bank-offers-war-vets-us35bn">Zimbabwe Independent</a>.
The US$38 billion proposal aims to cover Zimbabwe’s sovereign debt obligations to key creditors, including compensation to various groups such as previous farm owners.
In October, the veterans wrote to Time Bank, requesting inclusion in the pay-outs, citing their contributions during the liberation struggle.
Recently, the bank announced it had agreed to the war veterans’ demands. However, the inclusion is conditional: the veterans must support the bank’s broader initiative to compensate other listed beneficiaries.
These beneficiaries include pensioners, depositors, ex-farm workers, and recipients of the social welfare fund, among others. The bank said:
<blockquote>
An additional compensation of about US$3,2 billion will be paid for the land by donors without obligations to the government, and Time Bank will assist PFOs (previous farm owners) raise such donations.
Compensations to the first group of indigenous Zimbabweans hereinafter referred to as the first group of people or their representatives in terms of Section 295 (1) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe for their land which was acquired by the State without compensation before 1980.
This amount will be paid to organisations that benefit many people, namely, Social Welfare Fund of US$3 billion for ordinary people, Veterans of Liberation Struggle Compensation Fund of US$3,5 billion, Venture Capital Fund of US$2,5 billion, Financial Inclusion Fund of Other Groups US$1 billion, (among others).
</blockquote>
The newly established US$3.5 billion fund for war veterans will be sourced from the previously proposed US$4.5 billion Financial Inclusion Fund.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Time Bank in Zimbabwe is offering US$3.5 billion to war veterans. This is part of a bigger plan to pay off US$38 billion in debts to different groups. The veterans asked to be included in the compensation, and the bank agreed as long as they support the whole plan. Other beneficiaries include pensioners, depositors, and ex-farm workers. The money will come from a fund called the Financial Inclusion Fund. The veterans are getting a big chunk of the money and must support the bank's plan to get it.

Time Bank Offers US$3.5 Billion Compensation Package For War Veterans

Prosecutors from the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) on Monday, November 2, dropped criminal charges against 33 veterans of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle.
The ex-combatants had been facing prosecution for over three years after their arrest on charges of promoting public violence.
The war veterans were detained for allegedly singing “Chimurenga” songs during a protest in Harare, where they sought to submit a petition to Parliament and the Munhumutapa Building, which houses President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s offices. The petition outlined their grievances.
The veterans were charged with participating in a gathering with the intent to promote public violence, breaches of peace, or bigotry, as defined in Section 37(1)(a) of the Criminal Code.
The charges were withdrawn after the High Court upheld the war veterans’ application for a review, ruling that the charges against them were defective.
The ex-combatants were represented by Kelvin Kabaya, Paida Saurombe, and Tinashe Chinopfukutwa of the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR).
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Prosecutors dropped charges against 33 war veterans for promoting public violence. They were arrested for singing songs during a protest in Zimbabwe. The charges were withdrawn because the High Court said they were wrong. The veterans were represented by lawyers from Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights. The charges were for participating in a gathering with bad intent. The veterans were trying to submit a petition about their complaints to the government.

Prosecutors Drop Charges Of Public Violence Against 33 War Veterans

Blessing Geza, a war veteran and member of the ZANU PF Central Committee, has strongly condemned party members advocating for an extension of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s tenure beyond the constitutionally mandated two terms, calling such actions treasonous.
He argued that those pushing for this move should be expelled from the party.
In an <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200034753/ed2030-an-act-of-treason-war-vetdeclares-amendment-will-never-happen">exclusive interview with HStv</a>, an online television and radio channel operated by Alpha Media Holdings, Geza criticized the ZANU PF resolution, passed during the party’s 21st National People’s Conference in Bulawayo, which proposed extending Mnangagwa’s presidency until 2030.
Geza described the resolution as ill-advised and contrary to the principles of Zimbabwe’s Constitution. Said Geza:
<blockquote>
I was at the conference and I thought I was saddened… First and foremost, we have a Constitution which must be respected by everybody.
The President himself took an oath of office to respect the Constitution of Zimbabwe. They took the oath of office so they could protect and defend the Constitution of Zimbabwe but they are not doing that.
They are committing treason. Those people must be arrested and those people must be fired from ZANU PF. We want to see those people charged.
</blockquote>
The former Sanyati legislator claimed that ZANU PF has been hijacked by opportunists, with war veterans increasingly sidelined within the party.
He lamented that the people who fought for Zimbabwe’s independence have been marginalised, while those seeking to exploit the party for personal gain have taken control. He said:
<blockquote>
I mean because the party has been hijacked even if you go to structures, all those (army) generals were “fired” from the party.
ZANU PF is a product of ZANLA and ZIPRA, the people’s movement but they are not even being recognised, you know, right? They are attacking the Constitution.
They don’t even talk about the armed struggle. They don’t talk about the opposition. Mark my words, that will never happen, not under our watch.
</blockquote>
ZANLA or the Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army was the military wing of the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) during the liberation struggle.
ZIPRA or the Zimbabwe People’s Revolutionary Army, was the military wing of the Zimbabwe African People’s Union (ZAPU), which played a significant role in the war of independence.
Geza also accused President Mnangagwa of failing to unify ZANU PF following the 2017 coup that brought him to power.
He argued that instead of fostering reconciliation and cohesion within the party, Mnangagwa’s leadership has deepened divisions, leaving the party fragmented and plagued by internal strife. He said:
<blockquote>
The president was supposed to take the opportunity to unite the nation so that it could move forward. He failed but people, you see, know when the president came back from South Africa, is this happening?
But these people [ED2030 brigade] are a security threat and on this issue, the JOC [Joint Operation Command] must take action, and the service chiefs must take action.
Are our laws not sufficient enough to deal with such things?
These 2030s are doing what they want right? They are doing what they want to the President, you know. It’s unfortunate.
The role which we played, we are being sidelined, we have been sidelined but I blame ourselves because they say they are in control.
</blockquote>
Geza asserted that there is no possibility of President Mnangagwa extending his tenure beyond 2028, citing clear constitutional provisions that prevent such an outcome. He said:
<blockquote>
Mnangagwa was elected in 2018 and his two terms end in 2028 and he cannot go beyond that unless the Constitution is changed.
And even if the Constitution is changed, it also puts a safety net in it, which says that the incumbent or the person who presides over that constitutional change must not benefit from it.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, President Mnangagwa has reiterated that he will step down in 2028 when his second and final term in office concludes.
However, he has not instructed his supporters to cease advocating for an extension of his tenure, leaving critics questioning his sincerity.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

A war veteran called Blessing Geza is angry at ZANU PF members wanting President Emmerson Mnangagwa to be president until 2030. Geza says this is against the Constitution and is like committing treason. He thinks those pushing for it should be kicked out of ZANU PF. Geza also thinks that Mnangagwa has not done a good job uniting the party. He says there is no way Mnangagwa can stay president after 2028 according to the Constitution. People are wondering if Mnangagwa really plans to step down in 2028 like he says.

Pushing For Mnangagwa's Term Extension An Act Of Treason - War Veteran

Andreas Ethan Mathibela, the leader of a faction of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA), has denounced the recent elective congress held by Christopher Mutsvangwa’s faction in Gweru on October 12, calling it a “nullity” and divisive.
The faction held an elective congress in Gweru, which resulted in Mutsvangwa’s defeat, with him receiving only 11 votes.
Instead, Cephas Ncube from Bulawayo was elected as the new chairman with 294 votes, followed by Albert Ncube of Matabeleland North with 90 votes, while Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Mozambique, Victor Matemadanda, came in third with 75 votes.
Speaking during a press conference at the Bulawayo Media Centre on Tuesday, Mathibela asserted that Mutsvangwa’s faction was composed mainly of ZANU PF War Veterans League members, and not bona fide ZNLWVA members. He said (via <a href="https://cite.org.zw/mathibelas-war-vets-reject-rival-congress-as-invalid/">CITE</a>):
<blockquote>
The Mutsvangwa faction went ahead and conducted a so-called elective congress, which, in my view, was hastily arranged. Almost 100 per cent of those present were ZANU PF War Veterans League, members.
They chose what I would call a puppet executive, obviously against a court order. To me, this congress is a nullity.
There is a court order that prevents splinter groups from usurping the authority of the ZNLWVA as a whole. 
Our organisation, ZNLWVA, is a national organisation that represents over 75 per cent of existing war veterans.
We exist by reason of a constitutional provision of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
</blockquote>
High Court Judge, Justice Philda Muzofa, ordered the three ZNLWVA factions led by Mathibela, Mutsvangwa, and Elias Marashwa, to reach a consensus on the legitimate leader of the association and report their final decision to the court by October 21, 2024. Said Mathibela:
<blockquote>
We always reiterate our issues pertaining to the three factions before the Zimbabwean courts in Chinhoyi, the learned judge alluded to our squabbling and said it was not worth it and advised us to sit at the table. My so-called faction welcomed that order because it was an order.
We were given that before the 21st of this month (October) we should have sat down and reasoned around the best ways we can work together and I can only speak on behalf of my faction.
We have already sat down and we have reasoned that we are willing to go for the congress. This is the reason in the interest of unity it is not the first time.
Minister of Veterans – Monica Mavhunga, and Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare – July Moyo, represented by Lovemore Matuke, invited us for the same reason, to sit and find a day to do the congress because we represented the same constituency.
Guess what, the Mutsvangwa faction didn’t even attend, they undermined the authority of the government.
Midway, the Marashwa faction walked away, also openly disrespecting the authority of the government.
</blockquote>
Mathibela said his faction remained in the meeting and proposed to rerun the elective congress, stating they wanted to unite veterans rather than remain in “factious deployments.”
He said many wanted him to condemn Mutsvangwa, Mahiya, Matematanda, and Ncube, but said it was more important to address the “elephant in the room.”
Mathibela accused the Mutsvangwa faction of abandoning the interests of war veterans in favour of personal gains, as they are “political appointees” who want to “please their appointer.”
He expressed hope that the factions would eventually come together for an elective congress that represents all war veterans.
Mathibela called for dialogue, urging his counterparts to sit down and work towards a unified congress. He is hopeful that they will agree to hold the elective congress that caters to all war veterans.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The leader of one group of war veterans in Zimbabwe doesn't agree with another leader's recent election. He thinks it was not fair and caused division. A court has ordered the leaders to agree on who is the real leader by a certain date. The leader who disagrees says he wants to unite all war veterans and have a fair election. He thinks the other leader only cares about their own benefit and not the veterans. He wants everyone to talk and work together to have a fair election for all veterans.

ZNLWVA Faction Leader Mathibela Denounces Mutsvangwa's "Divisive" Elective Congress

The legitimacy of the new leadership of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) elected during a congress in Gweru on Saturday is under scrutiny due to a pending court case involving three factions led by Elias Marashwa, Ethan Mathibela, and Christopher Mutsvangwa.
High Court Judge Justice Philda Muzofa ordered these factions to reach an agreement on the legitimate leadership of the ZNLWVA and report their findings by October 21, 2024.
Despite this ongoing legal matter, the congress proceeded, resulting in the ousting of Mutsvangwa, who had led the association for 11 years.
In the election, Mutsvangwa received only 11 votes, while Cephas Ncube emerged victorious with 294 votes. Other candidates included Albert Ncube with 90 votes and Victor Matemadanda with 75 votes.
Before the congress, Edward Dube, the secretary general of a faction aligned with Matibela, warned that the event would be deemed invalid as it would directly violate the court’s order. Said Dube:
<blockquote>
It has come to our attention that one of the factions is attempting to host a ZNLWVA Congress on October 12 in Gweru. Given that this matter is still pending before the courts, such a Congress would be invalid and in direct contravention of the Court’s Order.
</blockquote>
The new ZNLWVA executive committee includes Shorai Nyamangondo as vice-chairperson, Joel Murerengwa as Secretary-General, Thomas Manyima as Legal Affairs head, Vincent Chinone overseeing Transport, Section Ncube leading Finance, Sanik Nguni in charge of Security, Nyembesi Togara heading Women’s Affairs, and Samuel Parirenyatwa as Political Commissar.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The war veterans in Zimbabwe have new leaders, but there is a court case to decide if they are valid. The court wants the leaders to agree by October 2024. The old leader, Mutsvangwa, was removed at a congress, and a new leader, Cephas Ncube, was chosen. Before the congress, one faction said it would be invalid because of the court case. The new leaders have different roles, like vice-chairperson and secretary-general. The court will decide if the new leaders are really in charge.

Court Case Clouds Legitimacy Of War Veterans’ New Leaders

Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) Masvingo provincial chair Tendeukai Chinooneka said that they support ZANU PF’s stance in the province calling for an extension of President Mnangagwa’s term beyond 2028 when his second and final term is set to conclude.
ZANU PF structures are calling for Mnangagwa to remain in office past 2028 to ensure the realisation of his vision of transforming Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income society by 2030.
Chinooneka’s remarks follow a dissenting opinion from some war veterans in Masvingo Province, who said that Mnangagwa should respect the Constitution and step aside when his current term ends. Said Chinooneka (via <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/masvingo-war-veterans-fully-behind-ed-continued-leadership/">The Herald</a>):
<blockquote>
We have more than 4000 war veterans in Masvingo province and what is being said in other press reports that war veterans do not support President Mnangagwa’s continued stay in office beyond 2028 is not a true reflection of the situation on the ground.
There are just one or two individuals who are expressing their individual opinions. The correct position is that we stand with what the party (ZANU PF) says and here in Masvingo the ruling party has said they want President Mnangagwa to remain in power beyond 2028 and we are also guided by that.
</blockquote>
Some ex-combatants in Masvingo Province described efforts to keep Mnangagwa in power beyond 2028 as “crazy”.
Speaking to <a href="https://tellzim.com/masvingo-war-vets-resist-mnangagwa-third-term-bid/">TellZim News</a>, a war veteran named Western Ezrah from Masvingo condemned the individuals who were “misleading the President” by asking him to violate the constitution. He said:
<blockquote>
In 2013, the people of Zimbabwe, whom we liberated through the war of liberation, wrote a constitution.
The same people whom we freed are the ones calling for the breaking of the same constitution they wrote. 
Calling for a third term is madness, the constitution is clear and the president should abide by it.
So those who are pushing him to continue are really mad.
</blockquote>
Ezrah added that ZANU PF had clear guidelines in place and that those individuals pushing for a third term for President Mnangagwa had no real understanding of the party’s origins or its long-term vision. He said:
<blockquote>
People do not know where ZANU PF is coming from and if you look closely you will see that those calling for the extension of the term limit have no background of the liberation and the party itself.
The party has a hierarchy and that hierarchy was used since the war of liberation and if you look at the presidium you will see who is supposed to take over.
Even culturally, the elders eat first and because we are a cultured people, the elders lead first in their order.
</blockquote>
Another war veteran, Retired Major General Gibson Mashingaidze, told TellZim News that President Mnangagwa should unequivocally follow the Constitution and refrain from seeking a third term in office, as he had previously promised.
Another war veteran who preferred anonymity said the Constitution is clear on presidential term limits.
He stated that as war veterans, they firmly believe in the peaceful transfer of power and upholding the Constitution.
The veteran added that those pushing for a third term for President Mnangagwa were doing so for their benefit, rather than the greater good of the country.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The War Veterans Association in Masvingo, Zimbabwe supports extending President Mnangagwa's term beyond 2028, while some war veterans disagree and want him to follow the Constitution. Some say it's "madness" to seek a third term, as the Constitution is clear about term limits. Others argue that the party's history and culture support following the rules and allowing for a peaceful transfer of power. Those pushing for a third term are accused of acting in their own self-interest rather than the country's best interest.

Masvingo War Veterans Chairman Backs ZANU PF's Call For Mnangagwa's Term Extension

The government has announced plans to honour the country’s war veterans and civilian collaborators for their role during the liberation struggle against white-minority rule.
According to Lovemore Matuke, the Minister of State for Presidential Affairs in the Office of the President and Cabinet, the government intends to award medals and certificates to these veterans and collaborators.
Addressing members of the Senate last week, Matuke said the government is committed to prioritising the welfare of former combatants and war collaborators as part of this recognition initiative. Said Matuke (via <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200030001/war-collaborators-to-get-medals-govt">NewsDay</a>):
<blockquote>
This year we expect that indeed we will have a very huge figure and from next year, we expect the war collaborators to also be awarded medals…
All the ministers of State in the 10 provinces will be issuing certificates of appreciation for the role played by the war collaborators as well as other comrades who were not rewarded when the process was done.
</blockquote>
Matuke said the first step will be to register all former combatants. This comprehensive registration process is intended to provide the necessary data to then develop targeted assistance packages for the war veterans.
However, Matuke acknowledged that the provision of this support will be contingent on the “availability of resources” at the government’s disposal.
This caveat suggests the initiative may be constrained by the country’s ongoing economic challenges and budgetary limitations. 
Matuke also said the government will prioritise the maintenance and upkeep of the shrines and memorial sites established to honour the heroes of the liberation struggle. He said:
<blockquote>
The President started with earlier battles such as Phuphu where he visited and showed appreciation for people who fought in that war and ensured that they were given the necessary appreciation.
If you also look at Kangoma in Gutu, Masvingo, the President also went to that area and paid homage to those people who lost their lives as they fought in the liberation struggle.
</blockquote>
After the country’s independence in 1980, the former guerrilla fighters became an influential political force and lobbied the government for greater recognition and benefits.
They continue to wield political and economic clout, often using their liberation war credentials to demand preferential treatment and access to resources.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The government wants to honor war veterans and civilian helpers for their bravery during the liberation struggle. They will be getting medals and certificates. The government will also provide support to help these veterans. However, the government may face challenges due to limited resources. The veterans played a big role in fighting for the country's independence. They will also focus on maintaining war memorial sites. After independence, these veterans became powerful and continue to demand recognition and benefits.

War Veterans, Collaborators To Get Medals, Certificates - Govt

The Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) says the government should desist from threatening its people and accusing them of carrying out subversive activities.
Responding to questions at the Bulawayo Media Centre on Friday, ZNLWVA chairperson Andreas Ethan Mathibela said the government must stop making “idle threats” against its people but instead, address the issues that are causing citizens to voice their discontent.
Mathibela’s remarks came after the Ministry of Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services, Jenfan Muswere, who was the acting Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, on Friday threatened people engaging in “subversive activities” that “their days are numbered.”
Muswere accused the opposition, some politicians, and certain Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) of attempting to “instigate anarchy and despondency.”
However, Mathibela said the government should deal with national issues rather than threaten imaginary enemies. He said (via <a href="https://cite.org.zw/znlwva-to-govt-stop-threatening-citizens-take-action/">CITE</a>):
<blockquote>
We must deal with national issues. A security threat comes as a result of an uneven playing field by the government, where it partially accepts some and admits others as friends while deeming others as enemies.
As long as there’s that kind of subtle division, unity of purpose will not prevail.
</blockquote>
Mathibela said war veterans are not doing anything subversive by demanding accountability from the government. He said:
<blockquote>
Whatever we are doing is open. We invite all, including the security cluster, to attend our meetings because the agenda will be very clear. I trained for many years in security, I know the definition of subversion.
For someone who is not pleased, someone who feels threatened, he or she will deem challenges as subversive. I think that is a misnomer.
We are not threatening the government of this country, even the ruling party or any other political party in this country.
All we are saying is that this country is not doing well economically, politically, and socially, and we want to be part of the solution.
We have even come up with some solutions to collaborate with the government. We wrote many letters.
I recall one to the president (Emmerson Mnangagwa) to say we would want to work with the government. We were not responded to.
</blockquote>
In the statement issued yesterday, Muswere accused unnamed opposition politicians and CSOs of attempting to foment chaos in the country to solicit funds from foreign donors and revive their waning careers. He said:
<blockquote>
… as Government we are warning perpetrators of these serial choreographed theatrics who are involved in subversive activities aimed at undermining the rule of law that their days are numbered and that their lawless plans will never see the light of day.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

War Veterans Call On Government To Take Action Rather Than Issue Threats To Citizens

A faction of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) is concerned that some of their colleagues are planning to turn the organisation into a political party to challenge ZANU PF in future elections.
There are fears that the war veterans were inspired by events in South Africa where former president Jacob Zuma formed the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK Party) which contested the 29 May general elections and denied the ruling African National Congress (ANC) a governing majority.
As reported by <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/thestandard/news/article/200028391/war-vets-mull-forming-political-party">The Standard</a>, a faction of the ZNLWA has been secretly plotting to form a new political party after President Emmerson Mnangagwa allegedly revealed his intentions to extend his mandate beyond the two-term constitutional limit.
The faction, led by Moffat Marashwa, last week walked out of a meeting held in Harare on Monday to discuss various issues affecting ex-combatants, saying the meeting was being used to prepare for the formation of an opposition party.
The meeting was co-chaired by War Veterans Minister Monica Mavhunga and acting Public Service Minister Lovemore Matuke.
National executive members of another faction of the ZNLWVA such as Andrease Mathibela, Dadirai Gijimana and Edward Dube, also attended the meeting, as well as Douglas Mahiya, who is the ZANU PF War Veterans League national secretary in the politburo.
<blockquote>
In a communique dated June 11, 2024, to update members of his faction, which was seen by The Standard, Marashwa wrote:
The meeting was intended to inform us of a roadmap (sic) they had planned to hold an illegal national congress of the ZNLWVA on an unknown date.
Cde Marashwa’s deligates (sic) walked out of the meeting after realising that the meeting was intended to convert the ZNLWVA into a political party like what happened in South Africa where MK challenged ANC in the recent elections…
As your national executive committee, we are going to resist any actions intended to divert the ZNLWVA founding objectives of improving the welfare of our members.
</blockquote>
Mathibela, who leads a ZNLWVA camp that is not a ZANU PF affiliate, confirmed the meeting but denied claims that they were plotting to form a new political party. He told The Standard:
<blockquote>
There is no element of truth in that. We are just talking about the state of the nation where we pray things could change for the better for all Zimbabweans as currently, Zimbabwe is not functional.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

War Veterans Mull Forming Political Party

President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Wednesday pledged to enhance economic opportunities for the veterans of the country’s war of independence, while also ensuring they receive medical aid and other benefits.
Speaking at the War Veterans National Assembly, which was attended by Vice President Constantino Chiwenga at the ZANU PF headquarters, Mnangagwa said the war veterans will vote at the party’s elective Congress in October. He said:
<blockquote>
From now on, the war veterans’ league as other leagues will be represented as you, when we have our national elective congress, this in terms of our practice will be held in October.
</blockquote>
According to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200027275/ed-charms-war-vets-ahead-of-congress">NewsDay</a>, the congress will determine how Mnangagwa will proceed until the end of his presidential term in 2028.
Mnangagwa said his administration is working on addressing the challenges facing the ex-combatants. He said:
<blockquote>
My administration is ready to facilitate the broad-based empowerment of your membership so that you fully participate in the economy as well as the ongoing industrialisation, and modernisation of our motherland.
I direct the minister to quicken the implementation of interventions towards addressing the challenges affecting this special constituency.
</blockquote>
Speaking during the same event, national secretary of the war veterans Douglas Mahiya, said:
<blockquote>
The war veterans are in full support of the PVOs Bill as it will act to counter NGOs which are working with foreign entities to undermine the ruling ZANU PF.
I would also like to encourage you to ensure that we set up ZANU PF-aligned NGOs to counter the influence of these regime change entities.
President, as we speak we will be launching our own NGO in the next month or two.
</blockquote>
In the run-up to the 2023 general elections, war veterans demanded that Mnangagwa approve “commensurate benefits” before they could back his re-election bid.
Their demands included loan guarantees and rebates for duty-free car imports, according to a Central Committee report that was tabled at the party’s elective congress.
In 1997, thousands of former freedom fighters were given a lump sum of $ 50,000 each after they protested against the lack of pensions. This led to the collapse of the Zimbabwe dollar.
The ZANU PF War Veterans League, formed in 2022, is an integral part of the ruling ZANU PF party in Zimbabwe.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Mnangagwa Promises War Veterans Economic Empowerment And Healthcare

The War Veterans League has pledged loyalty to ZANU PF and expressed commitment to ensuring the ruling party’s sustainable growth.
Speaking at the inaugural two-day War Veterans League National Assembly meeting in Harare on Wednesday, the Secretary for the League, Douglas Mahiya, said:
<blockquote>
The league commits itself to ensuring the sustainable growth of our Party ZANU PF. Since the formation of the League in 2022, our department has been seized with the mammoth task of operationalising our structures by educating members on their constitutional mandate as well as on how they should work with other wings of the party…
The league will ensure that ZANU PF builds visible and vibrant structures. In that pursuit, we continue to conscientise the masses on the agenda of the West to undermine ZANU PF and subvert our Government.
The ZANU PF constitution provides that war veterans, ex-political prisoners, detainees and restrictees, protect the party and its leadership.
We also observe with concern, similar efforts by former colonisers to subvert governments that are led by former liberation movements in Southern Africa.
We will remain vigilant to counter such machinations by the West and their surrogates.
</blockquote>
The meeting was attended by more than 600 war veterans and ex-political prisoners, detainees and restrictees, reported <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/war-vets-pledge-loyalty-to-zanu-pf/">The Herald</a>.
Mahiya also said the War Veterans League supports the ongoing process of enacting the Private Voluntary Organisations Amendment Bill saying the law will deal with rogue Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs).
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

War Veterans Pledge Loyalty To ZANU PF

A faction within the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) has openly criticized ZANU PF members who are allegedly advocating for an amendment to the Constitution to eliminate the presidential term limit.
According to The Standard, on Friday, March 15, police prevented the ZNLWVA from holding a meeting in Bulawayo. The suspicion was that the conveners were perceived as party spoilers.
The meeting was organized by the ZNLWVA, led by Andrease Mathibela. The war veterans’ welfare organisation is closely affiliated with ZANU PF.
Within ZANU PF circles, Mathibela’s leadership is seen as a resistance movement against the broader political plans of President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his faction.
After the ZNLWVA meeting was banned, Mathibela held a press conference in Bulawayo. During this conference, he issued a warning to those advocating for what he termed “dynastic rule” in Zimbabwe. He said:
<blockquote>
On March 16 and 17, 2013, Zimbabweans en masse voted for a new constitution following the referendum which had a turnout of 95.5% of the electorate.
Unanimous in this constitutional resolve was the irreversibility of the land reform programme and the rationality of the presidential term limit to two five year terms.
…Yet today, we have seen the unceremonious abandonment of the indigenisation laws, which sought to reverse years of colonial injustice and domination by protecting Zimbabwean nationals from future subtle re-colonisation practices and dispossession of our rightful heritage by new colonial masters.
Equally, we have witnessed gross mischief by a few sloganeering misfits, who seek to test the waters by conditioning the population to accept the setting aside of our sacred constitutional provisions, thereby attempting to usher in an open ended dynastic rule for Zimbabwe. “Let them be warned.
</blockquote>
Matibela also criticized the police for disrupting their planned meeting.
Reports indicate that within ZANU PF, there is growing support for Mnangagwa’s bid for a third term but the move faces legal hurdles due to constitutional restrictions.
Section 91 of the constitution outlines qualifications for presidential candidates. It explicitly states that an individual is disqualified if they have already held the office of President for two terms, regardless of whether those terms were continuous or not.
Section 328 (7) of the constitution further restricts incumbents from benefiting from any constitutional amendment that extends the length of time in office.
In other words, even if ZANU PF manages to amend the constitution, Mnangagwa, as the incumbent, would not benefit from such an extension.
The legal precedent set by the case of Mupungu v Minister of Justice and others (CCZ07/21) sheds light on this matter.
In that case, the court ruled that prescribed term limits cannot be extended to apply to sitting incumbents without contravening section 328 (8) of the constitution.
Therefore, any amendment allowing third terms would not apply to Mnangagwa during his current tenure.
Mnangagwa controversially won the presidential elections in 2018, serving his first term until 2023. He is currently in his second term, which is set to expire in 2028.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

No Dynastic Rule In Zimbabwe, Say War Veterans

Local universities are reportedly refusing to enrol the children of the veterans of Zimbabwe’s armed liberation struggle because the government is failing to pay fees on time.
Speaking to <a href="https://thenewshawks.com/govt-neglect-war-vets-explode/">The NewsHawks</a>, Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans’ Association (ZNLWVA) publicity and information secretary, Edward Dube said university tuition for the children of war veterans has not been paid for the past two semesters. Said Dube:
<blockquote>
Students have been greatly affected. Institutions like the University of Zimbabwe have been having challenges enrolling the children of war veterans.
While the university has now started enrolling, accommodation remains a great challenge. Other institutions like Great Zimbabwe University are refusing to enrol.
</blockquote>
Despite working closely with the ruling ZANU PF party during election campaigns, war veterans have constantly been at loggerheads with the government over their welfare.
The war veterans are entitled by law to pension, basic healthcare and education, according to the Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Act (Chapter 17:12) of 2020.
However, the ex-combatants have not been spared the economic hardships being experienced by the majority of Zimbabweans.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Local Universities Shut Doors On Children Of War Veterans

War veterans in Matabeleland North Province claim they have been let down by politicians.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200021974/politicians-letting-us-down-war-vets">NewsDay</a> during a visit to Kusile district this week, Lupane war veterans district chairperson Jonathan Nkanyezi said politicians abandoned them once they are elected into Parliament and council. He said:
<blockquote>
We always face so many challenges in this area. My worry is about all the leaders who are supposed to represent us in Parliament.
We chose those people so that they can help us air our grievances to the President on our behalf, but they seem like they do not care at all.
Right now as it is, the country is experiencing drought, and our livestock does not have water, but no one has come to us to at least listen to what we have to say.
The cattle are affected and we want those who represent us in Parliament to do their job.
Bring people to our villages to see what is on the ground. The problems and challenges that we have are enormous.
I want them to know that we chose them to stand for us and they should do so.
We do not want any surprises at all because we trusted them to put word for us to the president since we cannot on our own.
</blockquote>
The war veterans were among the people who were allocated some communal wildlife conservancies in the timber and wildlife-rich Emmergroon Estate by the government in 2001.
The area is located along the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Highway in the Gwayi area and is now bearing the brunt of neglect and marginalisation.
However, Chief Menyezwa, who presides over the area, told NewsDay he could not respond to issues raised because traditional leaders were not informed or consulted when the people were settled in the area.
According to a report by the Centre for Conflict Management and Transformation, resettlement areas in Zimbabwe face several challenges in the provision of basic social services such as schools and adequate health facilities.
The process of resettlement was rapid and with little planning, leading to inadequate financial resources, political interference, and increasing numbers of vulnerable children and orphans.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

MPs, Councillors Letting Us Down - War Veterans

The surviving members of the Zimbabwe People’s Revolutionary Army (ZPRA) and Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army (ZANLA) High Command have received cash and brand-new cars from the Government at taxpayers’ expense.
ZANLA was the military wing of the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU), while ZIPRA was the military wing of the Zimbabwe African People’s Union (ZAPU) during the Rhodesian Bush War.
A total of 18 war veterans, 11 from ZIPRA, were each gifted with top-of-the-range Ford Ranger Wildtrak vehicles and cash.
<a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/watch-president-honours-liberation-struggle-luminaries-cash-cars-for-zpra-zanla-stalwarts-ex-vp-mphoko-among-recipients/">The Sunday News</a> reported that the ZPRA list was made up of former Vice-President, Phelekezela Mphoko, Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, General Philip Valerio Sibanda, ZANU PF Politburo member and former Cabinet Minister, Colonel (Retired) Tshinga Dube, Colonel (Retired) Thomas Ngwenya, Brigadier-General (Retired) Tjile Dubhu Nleya who served as ZPRA Deputy Commander to the late National hero General Lookout Mafela Masuku, Jack Mpofu, Benoni Dube, Conary Gava, Jeffrey Ndlovu (Kenneth Murwira), Peter Ndebele (Toddy Mpisi) and Brigadier-General (Retired) Abel Mazinyane.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

War Veterans Receive Cash, Ford Ranger Vehicles

War veterans say they do not want the ruling ZANU PF party to continue using them as “graders” to campaign toward general elections.
War veterans have in the past campaigned for ZANU PF, especially in rural areas where they have been accused of violently targetting opposition supporters.
Speaking during a war veterans interactive meeting held in Lupane on Thursday, Veterans of the Liberation Struggle board chairperson, Gibson Mashingaidze, said they want the Government to improve their welfare. <a href="https://newsday.co.zw/southerneye/local-news/article/200011177/war-veterans-fire-warning-shots">Said Mashingaidze:</a>
<blockquote>
There is a slogan that says the party commands the government, why does the party not command civil servants to look into our affairs?
We have Members of Parliament (MPs) who are looking for us during campaigns, we do not want to be used as graders.
MPs should pass laws that speak to our needs instead of being silent only to emerge asking for votes.
If we had powers, we could recall some of these MPs that are not speaking about our plight in Parliament.
</blockquote>
ZANU PF war veterans secretary, Douglas Mahiya, claimed that President Emmerson Mnangagwa has done a lot to improve the welfare of war veterans. He said:
<blockquote>
Laws have been enacted but implementation remains a challenge that is why we have invited several stakeholders from the government so that we get answers to these issues.
</blockquote>
In 1997, war veterans pressured the Government to pay them $50 000 in gratuities and other benefits for their role in the liberation struggle.
However, the Zimbabwe dollar later plunged following the unbudgeted pay-outs.
Here are some of the demands made by war veterans in recent years:
<ol>
<li>University degrees</li>
<li>Tax rebates for their suppliers</li>
<li>Pension</li>
<li>Medical and dental care</li>
<li>Educational Assistance</li>
<li>Funeral Assistance</li>
<li>Gratuity</li>
<li>Clear categorization of the Veterans of the Liberation Struggle members</li>
<li>Tax and Duty exemption</li>
<li>Quota system in Parliament and all government institutions and agencies</li>
<li>Automatic promotion of serving veterans of the liberation struggle in State institutions</li>
<li>Diplomatic passports</li>
<li>Bravery medals and new identity cards</li>
<li>Compensation of war victims and veterans of the liberation struggle living with disabilities</li>
</ol>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

War Veterans: We Don't Want ZANU PF To Use Us As Graders

Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) members have removed Christopher Mutsvangwa from his position as the chairman of the organisation.
War veterans accuse Mutsvangwa of unprofessionalism and failure to improve their livelihoods.
Addressing journalists in Harare on Wednesday, the ex-combatants said they have appointed a National Interim Committee with the Government’s blessing.
The interim committee’s vice chair, Ethan Matibela said the last ZNLWVA elective congress was held 10 years ago and Mutsvangwa’s tenure lapsed several years ago. Said Matibela:
<blockquote>
The Association’s constitution dictates that the organization should be run and operated by an elected national executive whose mandate would last for five years and thereafter, an elective congress would be conducted.
On several occasions, the association has experienced a gross disregard for its constitutional processes, chief among them, the lack of professionalism, no functioning systems in place, undue interference, lack of accountability and no clear programmes to embark on during the life of the sitting committee.
</blockquote>
He added that the majority of war veterans are without access to basic healthcare services, a decent living pension and no decent accommodation.
Matibela applauded the late former chairperson Chengerai Hunzvi for pushing the Government to give war veterans a $50 000 gratuity each in the late 1990s. He said:
<blockquote>
After this payment, the association suffered as management diverged from the core business of the private voluntary organisation’s welfare.
The ministry advised us to create a National Interim Committee to resuscitate the association by preparing an elective congress upon which a fresh mandate will be given to a new national executive to run the affairs of the association for the next five years.
</blockquote>
Speaking to <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/war-vets-feud-zanu-pfs-mutsvangwa-ousted-for-lack-of-accountability-unprofessionalism/">NewZimbabwe.com,</a> Mutsvangwa said it was wrong for war veterans to wash their dirty linen in public. He said:
<blockquote>
I never feuded with my fellow war veterans during and after the liberation war. I am not going to feud with them now.
This is unbecoming for war veterans to feud in the public domain. I will never comment on what they are saying.
</blockquote>
The ZNLWVA was founded in 1990 to represent the interests of war veterans. It has been involved in various activities over the years, including advocating for better benefits for war veterans and supporting and speaking out against perceived injustices.
However, critics say ZNLWVA has become too closely aligned with ZANU PF and that its leaders have used their position to promote their own interests rather than those of all war veterans.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

War Veterans Oust Christopher Mutsvangwa

The government has vetted more than 120 000 ex-combatants, including ex-detainees so that they can receive monthly pay-outs and other related benefits in recognition of their role during the country’s 1970s liberation war.
According to a statement released by Defence and War Veterans Affairs Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, seen by <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200009868/120-000-more-join-war-vets-gravy-train">NewsDay</a>, the Government rejected applications from 11 330 aspirants classified as war collaborators, non-combatant cadres and detainees.
Those who were rejected failed to meet a legal requirement that one should have been 16 years by 31 December 1979 for consideration. Part of the statement read:
<blockquote>
A total of 207 103 applicants registered for vetting in 2021 and 150 434 were vetted in 2022, leaving a balance of 56 669.
Statistically, this means that 72% of veterans of all categories were vetted, implying that another 28% remained outstanding.
The major problem with this analysis is that there are some veterans who did not register in 2021, but turned up for the vetting exercise.
Similarly, there are other veterans who registered but did not turn up for vetting.
</blockquote>
She said the approved war veterans will be gazetted for 30 days before they are accredited as liberation struggle veterans.
In 1997, war veterans pressured the government to pay them $50 000 in gratuities and other benefits for their role in the liberation struggle.
However, war collaborators and non-combatant cadres were left out.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

120 000 More War Veterans Vetted, To Receive Govts Payouts

CCC vice president Tendai Biti said that Zimbabwe’s mining, farming, manufacturing, banking, legal and auditing sectors are still controlled by white people and serve white commercial interests.
Biti, who is Harare East MP (CCC), made the remarks while contributing in Parliament on Thursday during the Defence, Home Affairs and Security Services Parliamentary Committee debate on war veterans’ welfare. He said:
<blockquote>
Forty-four years after independence, much of that land is still intact and owned by white commercial interests.
Billy Rautenbach for instance, owns tonnes and tonnes of land in the Chipinge-Chisumbanje area.
Whilst we complained about the problem of white ownership of farms and multiple ownership of our farms by white farmers, right now the biggest challenge is multiple farm leasing by white interests in this country.
This country is still owned, controlled and run by white commercial interests, whether it is in mining, farming, manufacturing, banking, legal and auditing sector, white commercial interests are still dominating in this country.
It is not yet Uhuru; there is unfinished business in the liberation struggle.
</blockquote>
The former Finance Minister also urged the government to give war veterans title deeds of farms they acquired in the Land Reform Programme, saying the offer letters given to the ex-combatants were not enough. He said:
<blockquote>
Many of the war veterans have nothing to show for that. We are giving them pensions in a volatile, non-stable currency.
Let us give our war veterans their pensions in a stable currency.
The government itself has recognized the volatility of the Zimbabwean dollar by levying everything in USD; passports, number plates, birth certificates, milk from Pick ‘n’ Pay, school fees and license in USD but war veterans’ salaries in RTGs isu tonyebera kuvada vanhu ava.
</blockquote>
He said there should be a permanent representation of war veterans in the National Assembly through a quota system.
ZANU PF has often accused the opposition of being against the land reform programme and failing to appreciate the noble role played by war veterans in the liberation of the country from settler colonial rule.
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200009522/ed-demands-re-run-in-violence-hotspots">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe Still Controlled By White Commercial Interests - Tendai Biti

Harare East MP, Tendai Biti (CCC), has said the government must give war veterans title deeds of farms they acquired during the Land Reform Programme, reported <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/whites-commercial-interests-dominating-zimbabwe-says-biti-urges-govt-to-give-war-vets-farms-title-deeds/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>.
Biti said the majority of war veterans are wallowing in poverty and have nothing to show for their contribution to the country’s liberation.
Debating in the National Assembly on Thursday, Biti argued that the ex-combatants should not be given offer letters which have no security. He said:
<blockquote>
The first thing we need to do is to give title deeds to war veterans of the farms that they acquired. You cannot make them subject to the offer letter.
The greatest service we can do to war veterans, number one is to give them title deeds to the farms that they benefitted from as a result of the Land Reform Programme.
The offer letter is non-securitised and in breach of Chapter 16 of the Constitution. The offer letter, just like their constituencies, can go just like the wind – bhururu bhururu, yabhururuka seshiri.
</blockquote>
When Biti said war veterans’ “constituencies, can go just like the wind”, he was referring to Buhera South MP Joseph Chinotimba who led the farm invasions in 2000 and recently lost his constituency in the ZANU PF primaries. He added:
<blockquote>
Let us give them security of tenure kuti chanoti chandakarwirawo ndechichi. Chandinosiirawo vazukuru vangu ndechichi, that land and if we say the basis of the Land Reform Programme was the land, then the basis of the reward of the war veteran must be the land.
That should be the starting point. Why are we afraid to give war collaborators the land? Let us give them title deeds.
Land was the basis of the liberation struggle and hence ownership of it is deemed to have the potential of socially and economically empower veterans and their dependents.
</blockquote>
Around the year 2000, Zimbabwe embarked on a fast-track land reform programme which was largely violent in nature.
Vast tracks of land were seized from white farmers and parcelled among landless black families.
However, the chaotic nature of the programme has been blamed for Zimbabwe’s economic challenges as production on farms collapsed and western countries imposed sanctions on the country.
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200009522/ed-demands-re-run-in-violence-hotspots">Pindula News</a>

Biti Challenges Govt To Give War Veterans Title Deeds For Farms

Norton Member of Parliament, Temba Mliswa (Independent) has accused the government of corruption and misinformation after the number of war veterans rose from 34 000 to 142 000 since 1997.
Finance and Economic Development minister Mthuli Ncube announced plans to disburse US$57.5 million to war veterans when he presented his 2023 national budget before Parliament in November.
However, during the debate in the National Assembly last week on the 2023 national budget, Mliswa queried how the number of ex-combatants has grown from 34 000 in 1997 to 142 000 in 2022. He said:
<blockquote>
The war veterans population shows the highest level of corruption, misinformation, and its criminal nature that there is no way war veterans can increase from 34 000 to 142 000 in 2022.
Despite that increase, what boggles my mind is that 142 000 war veterans have been given $46 billion, which is US$57.5 million, 1% of the total budget while social protection has been given $50 billion, which is about US$63 million, 1.12% of the total budget.
</blockquote>
Mliswa argued that the funds should have been used to feed and pay school fees for millions of children who are in dire need of assistance. He said:
<blockquote>
This is despite the fact that the Zimbabwe Social Protection Unit is in a dire situation with 3.8 million rural people facing food starvation and 1.6 million facing urban starvation.
There are 4.6 million children living with severe acute malnutrition and 4.8 million in need of the Basic Education Assistance Module, known as BEAM.
Therefore, if one is to take into account these allocations, it is fair to argue that the budget is not inclusive and it disregards the plight of the marginalised and vulnerable citizens.
</blockquote>
The 2023 national budget was passed by Members of Parliament last week, which means that the allocations will be effected. | <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200005536/mthuli-under-fire-over-war-vets-payout">NewsDay</a>

Mliswa Queries Number Of War Veterans

War veterans have demanded that President Emmerson Mnangagwa approves “commensurate benefits” before they could back his re-election bid for the 2023 general elections.
Their demands include loan guarantees and rebates for duty-free car imports, NewsDay reported citing ZANU PF central committee report tabled at the party’s elective congress last month. Read the report in part:
<blockquote>
Consideration should be made to award commensurate benefits to vetted members of Zimbabwe Ex-Political Prisoners, Detainees and Restrictees Association (ZEPPDRA), war collaborators and war veterans cadres to avoid disgruntlement ahead of the 2023 harmonised elections.
That the veterans pensions should not be static but should be pegged as an equivalent of a salary scale in the civil service so that the government does not have to constantly review the amounts.
Government should honour its promises and debts, as well as enforce its own rights against the war veterans and their dependants amicably without resorting to litigation.
Pension should not be reduced upon the death of the member in order to cater for the surviving spouse and dependants.
Facilitation should be made for war veterans to have ease of access to affordable capital finance from the banking institutions whereby the government should be called upon to offer guarantees in instances where the much-demanded collateral is not available.
The party should engage the government for the establishment of the War Veterans Bank as part of the economic empowerment agenda.
The party engages the government in order to establish a quota for war veterans in mining and to facilitate access to capital and machinery.
The party directs the government to accord qualified children of war veterans opportunities to access employment and other empowerment facilities in recognition of the crucial role and sacrifices made by their parents.
</blockquote>
<h2>Some context:</h2>
The government this year said 160 000 war collaborators were now eligible to receive their payouts after missing out on the 1997 first round of disbursements. 
In 1997, thousands of former freedom fighters were given a lump sum of $50 000 each after they protested against the lack of pensions. This led to the collapse of the Zimbabwe dollar.
The ruling ZANU PF party which recently formed a new wing, the war veterans’ league, to strengthen and broaden its campaign strategies ahead of the polls will likely yield to war veterans’ demands.
War veterans have in the past campaigned for the ruling ZANU PF during election campaigns. 
<h2>Significance: </h2>
Political commentators Effie Ncube, Methuseli Moyo and Vivid Gwede told NewsDay that the war veterans’ demands were extortionist and illegal.
The government will be forced to take the taxpayers’ money and give it to war veterans at the expense of other development initiatives.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

War Veterans Demand Promised Benefits Before They Could Back ED's Re-election Bid

Harare City Council (HCC) is offering residential stands to war veterans who have been serving Council in various departments since Independence.
This was announced by Harare Mayor, Councillor <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Jacob_Mafume">Jacob Mafume</a> who indicated that about 132 war veterans are set to benefit. 
Mafume made the remarks while conferring ranks to newly promoted officers and dog handlers at a pass-out parade held at the Harare Municipal Police Headquarters.
The promotions saw officers being promoted to ranks of Superintended, Chief Inspectors, Inspectors and sergeants.
There are 132 war veterans who are still serving in various Council departments and some of them have no residential stands. Said Mafume:
<blockquote>
About 132 war veterans have been working for about 42 years now but do not have a place to stay but people younger than them have stands. We are going to rectify that and make sure that those who served the country will get stands.
</blockquote>
He acknowledged the presence of women in the force some of whom were also promoted.
Mayor Mafume said Council is going to promote gender in the city’s recruitment process in order to have gender parity.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

Harare Offers Residential Stands To War Veterans

The ZANU PF war veterans league on Thursday declared that it will do everything in its power to defend the ruling party.
Speaking during a Press conference in Harare, war veterans secretary Douglas Mahiya accused opposition parties and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) of being used by Western countries to effect regime change in Zimbabwe. Said Mahiya:
<blockquote>
We are going out there to mobilise for the party. We have got political power, the question of power is not what we should be talking about in Zimbabwe, because Zimbabwe got political power from the colonisers… an opposition party that talks of power is misguided.
Our erstwhile enemies have planted their proxies, the opposition parties and NGOs to scatter the organisation… we are going to defend that power because we sacrificed for this.
</blockquote>
ZANU PF national commissar Mike Bimha also said the party would use the ZANU PF war veterans conference which started on Thursday in Harare to garner support ahead of the 2023 elections. He said:
<blockquote>
As you are all aware the inaugural war veterans league conference is now in motion, which is a wing of the party, we are now witnessing history in the making.
And, therefore, for us as commissariat we welcome the coming on board of this league; it makes our jobs easier joining the youth and women’s leagues, moreso as we face the 2023 elections.
</blockquote>
Over 3 000 delegates are expected to attend the conference. | <a href="https://newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200000222/well-defend-zanu-pf-rule-war-vets">NewsDay</a>

War Veterans Vow To Defend ZANU PF Rule

Police officers on Saturday ordered members of the ZPRA Veterans Association to take off their yellow T-shirts branded with their name and logo.
The war veterans had planned to march from Masotsha Avenue and end at the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo statue to commemorate the legacy of the late nationalist and former Vice President who died on 1 July 1999.
The former freedom fighters were stopped by police at Third Avenue and Joshua Mqabuko allegedly because they were conducting an illegal demonstration.
The police claimed their activity was politically motivated and influenced by a certain political party, which also features the yellow colour.
ZPRA Veterans Association Secretary-General, Petros Sibanda, told police that the yellow colour had always been their branding since ZAPU’s inception in 1961.
Sibanda added the Officer Commanding Bulawayo District (the Dispol) had granted them permission to march.
However, police officers on the ground ordered all of them to remove their yellow t-shirts and stop the march.
ZPRA Veterans Association Spokesperson, Buster Magwizi, said the step taken by the police was ‘grossly unfair’. He said:
<blockquote>
I am not a coward but we obey the law as Zimbabweans but as ZPRA veterans we no longer have any rights, which have been taken away from us.
The right to demonstrate is a right but here we were not demonstrating but commemorating the day our Commander in Chief passed on.
I sympathise with you a lot because we no longer have freedom in this country anymore if we were ordered to remove our t-shirts and likened to a political party.
We are not a political party and we wore this so that we can be identified in the melee of things. Now how can we do so when we don’t have our own insignia.
It’s very bad in any case, we die the moment we stop talking about things that concern ourselves. If you are not aware you will not be able to do anything else.
</blockquote>
Magwizi told CITE that after the event, police revealed that they were also instructed to make sure the veterans removed their yellow t-shirts as that colour was associated with the opposition CCC.
<h4>More: <a href="https://cite.org.zw/police-temporarily-block-zpra-yellow-t-shirts-march/">CITE</a></h4>

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