The Sunday News
Dumisani Nsingo, Senior Reporter
WAR veterans are saying they will be forever be grateful to the late former President Cde Robert Mugabe’s relentless efforts and unwavering support to improve their welfare over the years.
Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans’ Association (ZNLWVA) Bulawayo province secretary for information and publicity Cde Christopher Sibanda said the late revolutionary leader should be remembered for playing a pivotal role in supporting the former liberation fighters.
“We are very saddened by his passing on largely due to the contribution he made to this country. Of course as a human he was expected to stumble at times but we will remember him through his achievements and support. We will forever be grateful to his contribution,” he said.
Cde Sibanda said the late President was always ready to take heed of the war veterans’ demands.
“In 1997 through his steadfast leadership we managed to push for the payment of our gratuities as part of our contribution in the liberation struggle and he conceded. We also took the lead in the country’s land reform programme and through his leadership the resource was distributed among the majority. I’m a proud owner of a small piece of land because of him and there are also many people who benefited this resource through his leadership,” he said.
Cde Sibanda said hundreds of people managed to further their education through various educational facilities the late leader put in place.
“We also have many that went to universities for free through his scholarship. War veterans are also having school fees for their children being paid by the Government although the disbursement of the funds has been chaotic over the past few years but all this was spearheaded by him,” he said.
The Government also offers war veterans monthly pension payment.
“Above all war veterans receive free medication services at all Government hospital and again Cde Mugabe played a part in ensuring this,” said Cde Sibanda.
ZNLWVA Bulawayo chairperson Cde Cephas Ncube said the passing on of the country’s founding father was a loss to the nation and revolutionary movement.
“It’s a loss to the nation and revolutionary movement but it should be remembered that he’s not the only one whom we have lost thus he’s joining the others that died before him and all were great men and women like him and soon we will also join them, we also played our part in liberating this country,” he said.
