He noted that the ongoing purge against former Vice President Joice Mujuru and her perceived sympathisers was a continuation of the side-lining that could be traced back to days of the armed struggle. “People who crossed into neighbouring countries ended up occupying influential positions in the party and the eventual government. The recruitment for positions during the struggle was selective. “Attainment of independence saw the disarmament, demobilisation and dissemination of the former freedom fighters. This was part of the progressive erosion of pillars of the liberation movement and the mounting of elitist politics,” Sadomba said, pointing out that the country was at a critical stage as the elitist politicians had drawn swords against each other.
“The fight is all about self-interest – not for the benefit of the people, who remain downtrodden with no chance to determine their future,” he said.
His sentiments are shared by the majority of war veterans who felt short-changed by President Robert Mugabe after the struggle.
Jabulani Sibanda, former leader of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association, is on record as accusing Mugabe of avoiding an audience with the former freedom fighter regarding their welfare for the past 22 years.
“War veterans feel let down by Mugabe and his close associates,” said a government source.
In a desperate bid to appease the former freedom fighters, Mugabe recently created a ministry responsible for the war veterans’ affairs.
Post published in: News