The Sunday News
Ngqwele Dube, Sunday News Correspondent
LOCAL businesses have been urged to unite and assist war veterans as a show of gratitude for the role they played during the liberation struggle.
N and S Properties director Mr Nicholas Masuku said it was high time businesses in Bulawayo join hands and take care of war veterans who are struggling.
Speaking after handing over goods worth more than $10 000 to former Zipra fighter Cde David “Sharpshoot” Moyo in Emganwini yesterday, Mr Masuku said he felt compelled to help the freedom fighters as they had paved the road for all Zimbabweans to excel in whatever sector they are in.
Mr Masuku said as a businessman he was grateful for the opportunities availed to him in independent Zimbabwe. Mr Masuku was approached by three senior war veterans in Bulawayo, Cdes Jabulani Sibasa, Saviours Moyo and Nkosilathi Mkhwananzi to assist Cde David Moyo.
“War veterans played a critical role in liberating the country but some of them are now struggling and I think it is our turn now to avail whatever assistance we can to show we are grateful for the opportunities that we have because of the efforts of the war vets.
“We have enjoyed so many benefits and I think it would not be asking much for us to assist with groceries. We cannot expect Government to fully fund the veterans but with joint efforts we can make a big difference. I believe as Bulawayo businesspeople we should form an association specifically to assist the elders,” he said.
Mr Masuku said he would be making monthly donations to needy war veterans and will working with the Bulawayo chapter of the war veterans to identify suitable beneficiaries. He handed over groceries that include matemba, laundry and bath soap, sanitisers, cooking oil, sugar beans, chunks, flour, sugar and tissues among other assortment of goods.
Cde Moyo (95) was overcome with emotion and could not hold back the tears as he paid tribute to Mr Masuku for the gesture.
Bulawayo Province War Veterans chairman Cde Cephas Ncube paid tribute to Zimbabweans who are helping struggling war vets.
