War vets make fresh demands

War veterans, represented by the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) and led by Ethan Mathibela, have requested the government to grant Freedom of the City and hero status to all ex-combatants for their contributions during the armed struggle.

In a recent meeting in Bulawayo, Mathibela emphasized that this recognition would honor their sacrifices, proposing national hero status for all war veterans while not necessarily seeking burial at the National Heroes Acre.

The ZNLWVA executive, which is not affiliated with Zanu-PF, argues that the current criteria for hero status are biased towards ruling party members and exclude many deserving veterans. The veterans also seek titled land deeds for economic empowerment.

Outspoken war veteran Max Mkandla supported these demands, though Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs Minister Monica Mavhunga claimed she was unaware of the meeting.

Historically, war veterans have made similar demands, with former President Robert Mugabe conceding to significant payouts in 1997.