Harare, Zimbabwe | Zimbabwe’s war veterans are set to meet President Emmerson Mnangagwa in the coming weeks, following the successful rollout of the War Veterans Welfare Fund across all ten provinces, War Veterans League secretary Douglas Mahiya announced Thursday during the launch of the Harare provincial fund.
“Our veterans, who sacrificed everything for this nation, will soon have an audience with His Excellency, President Mnangagwa, to discuss their welfare and the future of these transformative programs,” Mahiya declared to a crowd of officials, veterans, and supporters at the ZANU-PF headquarters.
“This is a testament to our government’s unwavering commitment to those who fought for our freedom.”
The announcement came during the high-profile launch of three landmark initiatives under the Presidential War Veterans Fund, a sweeping package aimed at uplifting liberation war veterans through economic empowerment, improved infrastructure, and social support.
Presidential advisor Dr. Paul Tungwarara, who spearheaded the fund’s nationwide rollout, outlined the programs as critical to fulfilling Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 agenda, which seeks to position Zimbabwe as a middle-income economy.
The initiatives include the Presidential War Veterans Fund, offering interest-free loans starting at $150,000 per province, with plans to scale allocations to $1 million per province to stimulate veteran-led enterprises.
A parallel War Veterans Borehole Drilling Scheme will address water insecurity in rural communities, while the Presidential Rural War Veterans Housing Scheme aims to overhaul housing infrastructure for veterans.
“These heroes battled tirelessly for our freedom. It is our responsibility to ensure their legacies endure,” said Tungwarara, striking a tone of reverence for the veterans’ sacrifices. He framed the programs as a bridge between Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle and its modern development goals.
“Their courage inspires us to reject division and work collectively toward economic sovereignty,” he added.
Tungwarara did not shy from addressing political tensions, condemning unnamed groups allegedly using social media to destabilize Mnangagwa’s administration.
“Let me be clear: you cannot challenge the President without confronting the entire presidium and Cabinet,” he asserted.
“We remain focused on positive efforts for Zimbabwe’s future.”
His remarks underscored the government’s dual focus on veteran welfare and political cohesion, urging citizens to “shun division” and support national development. Veterans were also called upon to repay loans to sustain the fund’s growth, ensuring its longevity for future generations.
While the fund prioritizes veterans, Tungwarara emphasized its broader societal impact.
“When a veteran thrives, their community thrives,” he said, highlighting the borehole scheme’s potential to improve food security and the housing program’s role in rural development.
The Harare launch marked the final provincial rollout, capping weeks of activations that have drawn praise from veteran groups.
“This is the first time we’re seeing tangible support scaled nationwide,” said Anna Moyo, a war veteran from Harare.
“The loans will revive my poultry business—it’s a lifeline.”
As veterans prepare to engage Mnangagwa directly, the government faces heightened expectations to deliver amid economic headwinds. Tungwarara closed the event with a rallying cry: “Let us move forward together under Vision 2030, for the sake of our beautiful nation.”
The initiatives signal Mnangagwa’s intensified push to address veteran welfare—a demographic long vocal about marginalization—while positioning his administration as a guardian of stability and unity.
For many, the promised meeting with the President offers hope that their voices will now shape policies bearing their name.
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