By Dickson Bandera
The well-being of veterans of the liberation struggle is a vital pillar of Zimbabwe’s national identity and development.
To reaffirming the Second Republic’s unwavering commitment to honouring and empowering the country’s liberation war veterans, president Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa this Friday officially launched the Presidential War Veterans Empowerment Scheme at the Harare City Sports Centre.
The Scheme, which aims to uplift the socio-economic status of veterans of the liberation struggle and their families, received a combined financial injection of US$3.5 million.
An initial US$1.5 million has already been disbursed across all ten provinces, with each receiving US$150,000. In addition, the President announced the disbursement of a further US$2 million, which will be equally shared among the provinces.
The launch was attended by senior Government officials, Ministers, Politburo and Central Committee members, representatives of the War Veterans League, and various stakeholders.
Addressing thousands of veterans and supporters who gathered at the City Sports Centre, President Mnangagwa underscored the enduring importance of war veterans to the country’s sovereignty, development, and national unity.
“The theme of this event, ‘Honouring, Respecting, Recognising the Past: Shaping the Future’, reflects our Government’s commitment to ensuring that all veterans of the liberation struggle are empowered and their contributions to our Independence duly recognised,” said the Head of State and Government.
The Scheme includes diverse components such as the War Veterans Revolving Fund, borehole drilling, solar electrification, housing projects, and agricultural mechanisation. His Excellency also announced that 50 tractors—five per province—will be distributed to qualifying veterans involved in agriculture, through a zero-deposit facility. Further resources are being mobilised to support veterans in the mining sector.
President Mnangagwa emphasized the need for accountability and integrity in the management of the funds and projects.
“The schemes must benefit those who rightfully deserve. Hatidi humbavha,” he said, calling for ethical conduct at all levels.
In a further demonstration of inclusive empowerment, the President revealed that an additional US$2 million will be allocated to war collaborators, ex-detainees, restrictees, non-combatants and widows of war veterans, with each category receiving US$500,000 for income-generating initiatives.
Complementing the financial support, land for agriculture and housing has been set aside for veterans. The President reiterated that the Land Reform Programme is irreversible, and that title deeds will be issued to enhance land tenure security and access to finance.
“Our land is now permanently in the hands of its rightful owners. We will continue to prioritise war veterans in all empowerment initiatives, in recognition of their supreme sacrifices,” said the President.
The event marked a historic milestone in Zimbabwe’s ongoing quest to achieve inclusive development and honour the legacy of those who fought for national liberation.
President Mnangagwa called on all sectors—public and private—to support the empowerment of war veterans, women and youth as part of their corporate social responsibility and national duty.
“Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatirwa nevene vayo,” the President declared, officially launching the Presidential War Veterans Empowerment Scheme to thunderous applause.
Zimbabwe’s armed struggle for independence, known as the Second Chimurenga, was fought between 1966 and 1979. It was a direct response to decades of colonial injustice, including the 1930 Land Apportionment Act, which dispossessed black Zimbabweans of fertile land and confined them to poor, overcrowded reserves.
African nationalists, through ZANLA and ZIPRA, took up arms against the white minority Rhodesian government, enduring harsh conditions, torture, and death in a protracted guerrilla war that finally led to independence in 1980.
The war demanded immense sacrifice. Thousands of young men and women abandoned school and family to fight in foreign training camps and on home soil.
Many died, while survivors returned to a free Zimbabwe with little support or recognition. Their dreams of a better life were deferred, as post-war policies often failed to meet their basic needs or restore their livelihoods.
War veterans deserve to be supported through government empowerment programmes because they are the backbone of the nation’s liberation. Their sacrifices restored land, dignity, and sovereignty to millions.
Empowerment through land, pensions, business opportunities, and access to services is not charity—it is justice. Their welfare is a reflection of the nation’s gratitude and a commitment to honour the blood shed for freedom.
