By Staff Reporter
Harare – Zimbabwe’s liberation war heroes have been allocated US$1.5 million has been allocated to the newly established Presidential War Veterans Fund.
The Presidential War Veterans Fund seeks
to bolster the economic empowerment and well-being of the war veterans, ex-political prisoners, detainees and restrictees, non-combatant cadres, and war collaborators.
Three provinces have already received US$150,000 each as part of the initial disbursement, with the fund set to provide interest-free loans to support veterans in starting businesses and improving their livelihoods.
The fund was officially launched last Friday in Harare by Dr. Paul Tungwarara, Special Presidential Investment Advisor to the United Arab Emirates, who announced that the first tranche of US$150,000 would be directed to the Zimbabwe Political Prisoners, Detainees, and Restrictees Association (ZIPPEDRA) in Harare Province.
“As the Presidential Advisor, I have been sent to inform you that the President is contributing US$150,000 to the ZIPPEDRA Fund for Harare Province, which we are officially launching today,” said Dr. Tungwarara.
“This fund will be accessible to all your members to start their own projects, and the best part is that it will be interest-free.”
He emphasized that the program would be rolled out nationwide, with war veterans required to repay the loans to ensure the fund’s sustainability and growth.
“The fund will be continuously reviewed and increased, depending on your honesty and diligence in repaying, so that others can also benefit,” he added.
The launch event, organized by empowerment partner Concord for Young Women in Business Global, was attended by the ruling party’s high-ranking officials, including Zanu PF Deputy National Political Commissar Webster Shamu and Zanu PF Deputy Secretary for Security Tendai Chirau.
Shamu praised President Mnangagwa for his commitment to supporting war veterans, stating that the fund demonstrated the
President’s dedication to action over rhetoric.
“This latest gesture is a sign that President Mnangagwa doesn’t just talk but walks the talk. I am optimistic that this fund will transform the fortunes of our war veterans,” he said.
Apphia Musavengana, President of Concord for Young Women in Business Global, commended President Mnangagwa for his support and pledged to provide financial literacy training to beneficiaries to ensure the effective use of the loans.
“We want to thank Dr. Tungwarara for donating $100,000 to the ZIPPEDRA Women’s Fund through His Excellency.
“This fund will enable women to access funding for their projects and businesses without collateral, allowing them to start their ventures,” she said.
In Mashonaland East, the fund was launched with an initial donation of US$100,000 to support war veterans and their families.
ICT minister who doubles as Chikomba West MP, Tatenda Mavetera, expressed gratitude for the initiative, stating, “We thank President Mnangagwa for the milestone launch of the Chikomba West War Veterans Fund.”
“This initiative underscores his continued commitment to the welfare of our nation’s heroes and heroines.”
Similarly, in Masvingo Province, the program was launched with a commitment of US$166,000 to the War Veterans Fund in Chivi District.
The allocation included US$150,000 for the War Veterans Fund, US$11,400 as a non-refundable grant for war veterans, and US$5,000 for members of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA).
Zimbabwe’s government recognizes four categories of veterans of the liberation struggle, as outlined in the Constitution: war veterans, ex-political prisoners, detainees and restrictees, non-combatant cadres, and war collaborators.
The Presidential War Veterans Fund aims to honor their sacrifices by empowering them to participate actively in the country’s economic development and achieve self-sufficiency.
