War vet wants special recognition of frontline fighters

Former ZPRA regional zone commander and war veteran Andrew Ndlovu has called for a re-examination of how Zimbabwe acknowledges its liberation fighters, particularly those commanders whose roles in the war have been overlooked. In a letter to the Minister of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle, Senator Monica Mavhunga, dated October 14, 2024, Ndlovu expressed concerns over the broad categorisation of war veterans under the Constitution of Zimbabwe (Amendment No 20) Act of 2013.

Ndlovu argues that the current classification of liberation fighters fails to adequately reflect the unique and varied contributions made by veterans during the struggle. The Constitution's broad categorisation groups all participants in the liberation war together, but Ndlovu believes this does not honour the different roles played by ex-combatants.

“We need to split this category into two," Ndlovu suggested. “The first group should be frontline fighters—those who joined the struggle, received training, and fought directly against the enemy inside Rhodesia. The second should be rear support fighters—those who received training but did not operate on the frontlines until the ceasefire."

One of the key points of frustration in Ndlovu's letter was the lack of recognition for commanders who led operations but were never officially acknowledged by the government. He proposed that these commanders, who coordinated both frontline and rear operations, deserve formal recognition through retirement commissions appointed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

“Many of these commanders faced immense challenges, leading guerrilla forces against Ian Smith's NATO-backed regime," Ndlovu wrote. “Yet, many of them have been forgotten. Their liberation ranks were never recognised, and their sacrifices remain undocumented."

Ndlovu's call extends beyond recognition of the commanders' leadership, urging the government to award medals to frontline fighters in recognition of their bravery. He also proposed that commanders who demonstrated exceptional leadership be granted hero status, a title often given to those whose contributions to the liberation struggle are formally honoured by the state.

“This is not just about honouring the past but about setting the record straight for future generations," Ndlovu emphasized. “History cannot be preserved through generalisations. We must acknowledge the individuals who risked their lives to ensure Zimbabwe's freedom. Their contributions were not the same, and we cannot treat them as if they were."

The letter also expressed Ndlovu's deep frustration with what he perceives as a lack of political will to address these concerns. He revealed that he had previously raised the issue during a Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on War Veterans' public hearing but noted that no action had been taken.

“How can we talk about honouring our heroes when some of their most basic sacrifices remain unrecognised?" Ndlovu questioned.

His call for action comes as war veterans increasingly voice their dissatisfaction with how their contributions have been acknowledged since Zimbabwe's independence. Many veterans feel their sacrifices have been overlooked, particularly those whose roles during the war did not fit neatly into the existing categories of recognition.

For Ndlovu, re-defining the categories and formally recognising commanders is not just about awards and titles, but about justice. It is a step towards ensuring that the legacy of the liberation struggle is accurately documented and acknowledged for the benefit of the fighters, their families, and the nation as a whole.

“This is about justice," Ndlovu stated. “It's about ensuring the legacy of our struggle is preserved in a way that reflects the diverse contributions made. It's about ensuring our history is told truthfully."