War vets complain over school fees delay

War veterans have raised concerns over delays in the payment of their children's school fees, particularly at tertiary institutions, which are adversely affecting the learners, especially during examination periods.

According to Buster Magwizi, spokesperson for the Zimbabwe People's Revolutionary Army (Zipra) Veterans Association, some institutions, such as Solusi University, have barred war veterans' children due to these delays in government payments.

Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs Minister Monica Mavhunga informed Parliament that the liberation board is responsible for the funds and that companies have been established to support war veterans.

These companies, Power Zimbabwe and Veterans Investment Corporation, are in place to help, and the board has performance contracts to ensure ongoing work.

Magwizi acknowledged the launch of these companies by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in 2021 but urged the government to avoid making empty promises and to ensure the welfare of war veterans is properly addressed.

A student from the National University of Science and Technology (Nust), benefiting from the war veterans' school fees fund, expressed frustration over the complicated process required to register for exams due to unpaid fees.

The student highlighted the need to acquire a letter from the ministry to prove government payment, which had not been made, and then submit it to the university administration.