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Zimbabwe war vets start applying for loans
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War veterans across Zimbabwe have begun applying for loans from the US$1.5 million revolving fund under the Presidential War Veterans Fund, which is now being disbursed across all 10 provinces.
Each province is receiving at least US$150,000 to ensure accessibility of the funds at the district level. Intended beneficiaries are required to apply through their district structures, which will forward applications to provincial offices for approval before submission to the Secretary for War Veterans, Douglas Mahiya, for final consideration.
The amount of funding allocated to each applicant will depend on the scope of their proposed business project. The initiative, spearheaded by President Mnangagwa, aims to improve the welfare of war veterans and their widows by providing financial support for income-generating projects.
To ensure sustainability, beneficiaries are expected to repay their loans through provincial bank accounts. The fund will be periodically reviewed and increased based on the repayment performance of recipients. Those who fail to repay their loans may see deductions from their pensions as a recovery measure.
Zanu-PF Secretary for War Veterans, Douglas Mahiya, emphasised that the fund is meant to empower war veterans and widows of war veterans. He explained that the first phase targets war veterans, while a subsequent batch will cater to their widows.
"For one to access the funds, we instructed the provincial leadership to allow district leadership to select members they deem eligible. Those recommended are required to fill in loan application forms, which are then sent to their provinces for due diligence. After provincial approval, the forms are sent to the national secretary for further scrutiny," said Mahiya.
Some provinces, including Matabeleland South, have already submitted applications for national-level consideration.
"I have already received some forms from Matabeleland South. After my approval, I will forward them to the Office of the President for final scrutiny. The approved forms will be returned to the provinces, where the provincial chairman of Zanu-PF and the chairman of the War Veterans League will hand over the allocated funds to beneficiaries," he said.
He also clarified that each province's War Veterans League has a designated bank account where repayments will be made, ensuring transparency and accountability.
"We have informed beneficiaries that if they fail to account for the money, we will recover the amount from their pensions," Mahiya added.
War veterans continue to play a crucial role in Zimbabwe's development, providing leadership at both community and national levels. Their contributions were particularly notable during the 2023 harmonised elections, where they were instrumental in mobilising support for the ruling party and preserving the legacy of the liberation struggle.
The Presidential War Veterans Fund highlights the Government's recognition of the sacrifices made by war veterans, ex-political prisoners, detainees, restrictees, non-combatant cadres, and war collaborators in the country's liberation struggle.
Each province is receiving at least US$150,000 to ensure accessibility of the funds at the district level. Intended beneficiaries are required to apply through their district structures, which will forward applications to provincial offices for approval before submission to the Secretary for War Veterans, Douglas Mahiya, for final consideration.
The amount of funding allocated to each applicant will depend on the scope of their proposed business project. The initiative, spearheaded by President Mnangagwa, aims to improve the welfare of war veterans and their widows by providing financial support for income-generating projects.
To ensure sustainability, beneficiaries are expected to repay their loans through provincial bank accounts. The fund will be periodically reviewed and increased based on the repayment performance of recipients. Those who fail to repay their loans may see deductions from their pensions as a recovery measure.
Zanu-PF Secretary for War Veterans, Douglas Mahiya, emphasised that the fund is meant to empower war veterans and widows of war veterans. He explained that the first phase targets war veterans, while a subsequent batch will cater to their widows.
"For one to access the funds, we instructed the provincial leadership to allow district leadership to select members they deem eligible. Those recommended are required to fill in loan application forms, which are then sent to their provinces for due diligence. After provincial approval, the forms are sent to the national secretary for further scrutiny," said Mahiya.
Some provinces, including Matabeleland South, have already submitted applications for national-level consideration.
"I have already received some forms from Matabeleland South. After my approval, I will forward them to the Office of the President for final scrutiny. The approved forms will be returned to the provinces, where the provincial chairman of Zanu-PF and the chairman of the War Veterans League will hand over the allocated funds to beneficiaries," he said.
He also clarified that each province's War Veterans League has a designated bank account where repayments will be made, ensuring transparency and accountability.
"We have informed beneficiaries that if they fail to account for the money, we will recover the amount from their pensions," Mahiya added.
War veterans continue to play a crucial role in Zimbabwe's development, providing leadership at both community and national levels. Their contributions were particularly notable during the 2023 harmonised elections, where they were instrumental in mobilising support for the ruling party and preserving the legacy of the liberation struggle.
The Presidential War Veterans Fund highlights the Government's recognition of the sacrifices made by war veterans, ex-political prisoners, detainees, restrictees, non-combatant cadres, and war collaborators in the country's liberation struggle.
Source - the herald
