War veterans denounce Geza

The Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) has strongly defended President Emmerson Mnangagwa against recent calls for his resignation, stating that the President was democratically elected by the majority of Zimbabweans for a five-year term and any utterances calling for his resignation were improper and careless.

At a press conference held in Gweru on Wednesday, ZNLWVA national chairman, Cephas Ncube, responded to the controversial remarks made by fellow liberation war fighter, Blessing Geza, who called for the President to step down in his recent public comments.

Ncube condemned Geza's remarks as irresponsible and not representative of the views of the war veterans' association. He emphasized that the President had been lawfully elected and was serving his second term in office, with the support of the majority of Zimbabweans.

"The current situation in the country does not, and will not, bring this association on the same page with those who are denouncing the President. The President is there, and he was elected for five years. This is his second term of office. Why am I making this statement? There are certain statements being made about the President that I don't think are proper," Ncube said.

He further stated that Geza's comments were not in line with the association's stance and that they were not authorized by the group. He described the remarks as unconstitutional and potentially destabilizing for the country.

Ncube reiterated that the ZNLWVA stands firmly behind President Mnangagwa and his government, urging those who disagree with the President's leadership to respect the democratic process and the constitution.

"If we find ourselves as war veterans challenging our President and making such statements, I don't think that is proper. Those who feel the President must resign today must revisit the constitution which gives him the mandate because he was voted into office by the majority," he said.

Ncube also called for patience and understanding among war veterans, pointing to ongoing efforts by the Second Republic to address their concerns and improve their living conditions. He highlighted the association's recent progress in establishing a dedicated desk at the Ministry of Mines and engaging with the Minister of Finance to secure funding for veterans' projects.

"We are compiling projects for comrades which need start-up capital, and once we are done, I will be meeting with President Mnangagwa to give him feedback on our progress," Ncube said.

He also revealed that the war veterans' association had secured medical support for its members through a partnership with local businessman and founder of Pan African Hospital, Jimayi Muduvuri. The hospital network, which is being established across the country, will provide free medical care to war veterans, the elderly, and people with disabilities.

"I want to say as business people, we should be grateful to the gallant sons and daughters who sacrificed their lives for the freedom we enjoy today," said Muduvuri. He added that his Pan African hospitals, which will be named after Zimbabwe's national luminaries, will offer free medical services to war veterans, the elderly, and people with disabilities.

Ncube's remarks underscored the association's commitment to supporting President Mnangagwa's leadership and continuing to advocate for the well-being of Zimbabwe's liberation war veterans. The ZNLWVA reiterated that unity and cooperation were key to advancing the country's development and securing a better future for all Zimbabweans.