Harare, Zimbabwe | Billionaire investor Shaji Ul Mulk, who is spearheading the development of Zimbabwe Cyber City, has committed to donating thousands of dollars to the recently launched Presidential War Veterans Fund.
This move further cements his involvement in Zimbabwe’s development, reinforcing his engagement in multiple sectors of the economy under the leadership of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
The Presidential War Veterans Fund was officially launched by Presidential Advisor Paul Tempter Tungwarara through President Mnangagwa. The initiative aims to empower the country’s war veterans by providing interest-free loans to support their business ventures and improve their livelihoods.
A total of US$1.5 million has been allocated to the fund, with three provinces already receiving US$150,000 each. The fund’s allocation is set to be reviewed and potentially increased over time, ensuring continued support for war veterans across the nation.
Speaking at the launch event in Harare, Special Presidential Investment Advisor to the United Arab Emirates, Dr. Paul Tungwarara, announced that the first US$150,000 would be specifically allocated to the Zimbabwe Political Prisoners Detainees and Restrictees Association (ZIPPEDRA).
“As the Presidential Advisor, I have been sent to inform you that the President is contributing US$150,000 to the ZIPPEDRA Fund just for Harare province, which we are officially launching today. This fund will be accessible to all your members to start their own projects, and the best part is that it will be interest-free,” said Dr. Tungwarara.
He further elaborated that the programme would be extended to all provinces, encouraging war veterans to utilize the funds responsibly to ensure sustainability.
The event, organized by the empowerment drive partner Concord for Young Women in Business Global, saw attendance from key figures such as Zanu PF Deputy National Political Commissar Cde Webster Shamu and Zanu PF Deputy Secretary for Security Cde Tendai Chirau.
Cde Shamu highlighted that this initiative demonstrated President Mnangagwa’s commitment to tangible development, rather than mere rhetoric, expressing confidence that the fund would significantly uplift war veterans.
Concord for Young Women in Business Global President, Cde Apphia Musavengana, commended President Mnangagwa’s unwavering support for war veterans and pledged to provide financial literacy training for beneficiaries to maximize the fund’s impact.
“We want to thank Dr. Tungwarara, the Special Investment Advisor to the President, for donating $100,000 to the ZIPPEDRA Women’s Fund through His Excellency. This fund will enable women to access funding for their projects and businesses without the need for collateral, empowering them to become self-sufficient entrepreneurs,” she said.
The fund has also been rolled out in Mashonaland East, where war veterans and their families received an initial US$100,000 in cash. Chikomba West Legislator Dr. Tatenda Mavetera expressed gratitude to President Mnangagwa, stating that the initiative underscores his commitment to supporting the nation’s heroes and heroines.
In Masvingo, a similar initiative was launched, with the President committing US$166,000 to the War Veterans Fund in Chivi District. The allocation included US$150,000 for the War Veterans Fund, a US$11,400 non-refundable grant for war veterans, and US$5,000 for UBV members.
Shaji Ul Mulk, a key investor in Zimbabwe, continues to play a pivotal role in promoting the nation through various initiatives, including the Cricket T10 league. His investment aligns with President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030, which aims to develop Zimbabwe “brick by brick.” His commitment to the war veterans’ cause further solidifies his dedication to the country’s economic and social advancement.
The war veterans remain instrumental in Zimbabwe’s development, offering leadership at both community and national levels. Their role in the 2023 harmonized elections was crucial in mobilizing support to uphold the ethos of the liberation struggle and ensure electoral victory for the ruling party.
Zimbabwe recognizes four categories of liberation struggle veterans as outlined in the Constitution: war veterans, ex-political prisoners, detainees and restrictees, non-combatant cadres, and war collaborators. The newly launched fund is expected to enhance their economic standing and ensure their continued contribution to national development.
With ongoing efforts to expand and sustain the War Veterans Fund, President Mnangagwa’s administration continues to demonstrate its commitment to honoring those who sacrificed for Zimbabwe’s independence.
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