War vets pledged to put Zanu-PF first and ensure that Mnangagwa wins by a landslide

VETERANS of the Liberations Struggle League (VLSL) in Mashonaland Central have pledged to put Zanu-PF first and ensure that President Mnangagwa, who has given them a special place in the ruling party, wins by a landslide in next year's harmonised elections.

This follows the establishment of the VLSL which is set to have its maiden elective conference next month.

War veterans' provincial chairperson Sam Parerenyatwa said the acceptance of war veterans into the party is an indication of the trust that President Mnangagwa has in people with whom he fought arm-in-arm during the liberation struggle.

All four associations of the VLSL which are the Zimbabwe Ex-Political Prisoners Detainees Restrictees Association (Zipedra), War veterans, non-combatant cadres and war collaborators associations met on Sunday in Bindura.

Parerenyatwa said the meeting was held to update their members on the Veterans of the Liberation Struggle League and how to set up structures and guidelines for the elective conference slated for August 4 to 6.

"This meeting is a follow up to a provincial co-ordinating committee meeting held yesterday, (Saturday). The league will further strengthen ties between our four associations.

"War vets are the backbone of the party to unite. This was a long awaited development and we thank the President. We don't have a strong opposition party in this country but the biggest enemy is fighting amongst ourselves."

Mr Muchabaiwa Chidziwa warned veterans of the liberation struggle to be wary of people who want to divide the party.

"Let us unite so that the enemy cannot penetrate," he said.

Hapson Shongedza thanked the President and said the league will ensure that war veterans are included in all deliberations concerning the party and the country.

Denford Chindoko said the defunct league was like "water and oil" with the people.

He urged members to elect hardworking people into the district and provincial structures of the new league regardless of whether they had a position in the old league.

"We don't have bad blood with the previous league but we did not agree with the way they handled things," Chindoko said.

Chenai Makarawu said this is an opportunity for women war veterans to take up leadership positions.

"This is our league, lets us participate as women without looking down upon each other. Let us support women who are capable of taking up leadership positions in the league," she said.

"I am aware that during election times women are usually frustrated so that they give up. We want fair representation of men and women in the league."

Patricia Manyika thanked the President for recognising war veterans' four decades after Independence.

"We started lobbying for the league many years ago but nothing was done because we were looked down upon. The Second Republic has recognised war veterans as an integral part and we thank the President," she said.