The Sunday News
Leonard Ncube, Victoria Falls Reporter
THE Department of Veterans of the liberation struggle in the Ministry of Defence and War Veterans Affairs has decentralised its activities to provinces and districts in an effort to increase visibility and awareness within communities.
The veterans of the liberation struggle have exhibited at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), Zimbabwe Agricultural Show in Harare and the Matabeleland North Agricultural Show in Hwange. Their stand in Hwange was a hive of activity as scores of people listened to the history of the country’s liberation struggle as well as viewing portraits of some of the icons of the armed struggle displayed.
Chief Director for projects and programmes in the Ministry Major General (Retired) Chancellor Diye said the department, was decentralising in line with the country’s devolution agenda.
“For the first time we have started decentralising and opened district offices as we have recruited district officers.
This started last year and each province has a provincial field officer and some district field officers to ensure services reach the people. We are exhibiting for the first time here and we want to make a permanent presence as we look forward to a bigger space next year. What we are doing is creating awareness to stakeholders to be aware of benefits of independence and empowerment that comes with it as is stipulated in the constitution and other policies,” said Maj-Gen (Rtd) Diye.
Matabeleland North provincial field officer is Cde Sifiso Velani. Maj-Gen (Rtd) Diye said the department will be exhibiting at six agricultural shows this year.
“We have been to ZITF, Zimbabwe Agriculture Show and we are going to Gweru, Masvingo and Mutare shows. We want to do six agricultural shows this year and next year exhibit at all of those that are in the country. This is platform for crucial communication as we meet face to face with clients and stakeholders who include members of the public. This is why we are cascading and participating at provincial exhibitions,” he said.
As a Government department working in coordination with the Office of the President and Cabinet, the veterans of the liberation struggle will also be joining the country in the campaign against illegal sanctions imposed by Western countries on Zimbabwe during this month of October in the build up to 25 October, an anti-sanctions day declared by Sadc in solidarity with Zimbabwe.—@ncubeleon
