They told the Parliamentary Portfolio for Defence and Security this week that, despite having gallantly fought for the liberation of this country, they remained a laughing stock because of poverty.
“Our welfare continues to deteriorate while a few enjoy fruits of our independence. We were not consulted ahead of the introduction of the so-called empowerment policy and have not benefited from it in any way. Our projects continue to be hijacked by a few greedy thugs amongst us. We are now saying enough is enough as we have been abused and taken advantage of for too long,” said Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association Secretary General, Shadreck Makombe.
The firebrand Makombe said war veterans continued to be exploited by opportunists who had elbowed them out of lucrative ventures in such companies like Telecel, ZEXCOM, DHL and housing cooperatives. His organisation is demanding mining rights at the 16,000ha Marange diamond fields and a quota in other sectors of the economy.
“Senior former freedom fighters were allocated big and beautiful houses, cars and other resettlement packages which were not extended to the generality of former fighters. We demand a ministry reserved for war veterans and a quota representation in both houses of Parliament. Government should honour the outstanding $18,000 balances it owes each war veteran from gratuities given in the 1990s,”said Makombe.
The veterans have complained that Minister of Mines Obert Mpofu was obstructing them from meeting with the President who is their patron to present their grievances.
Female representatives Annahellen Pencil and Jane Tongowona (nee Mawura) said the vast majority of veterans had never benefitted from the land reform programme. “Our children now quiz us on the wisdom of going to the liberation struggle in the first place. War veterans’ woes must be solved once and for all,” said Pencil.
Post published in: News