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ZPRA veterans align property reclamation drive with Vision 2030 goals
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Former Zimbabwe People's Revolutionary Army (ZPRA) combatants have emphasised that reclaiming properties acquired during the liberation struggle is more than just restitution - it is a strategic effort aimed at contributing to Zimbabwe's economic transformation under Vision 2030.
Through their investment vehicle, Nitram Properties, the former fighters are actively working to recover and revitalise a diverse portfolio of assets including farms, shops, mines, wildlife sanctuaries, hotels, fuel stations, and urban estates scattered across the country.
Speaking on behalf of the board, Nitram Properties chairperson, Volta Ekem Moyo, said the reclamation initiative aligns closely with the national agenda to elevate Zimbabwe to upper-middle-income status by 2030. He highlighted that reopening these businesses and farms will generate thousands of jobs, stimulating business activities across supply chains and related sectors, thus boosting employment and revitalising local economies.
Moyo underscored the critical role of resuscitating agricultural estates in strengthening local food production, enhancing food security, and reducing reliance on imports. "This increase in output is essential for achieving food security and reducing reliance on imports. Demonstrating a commitment to property rights will encourage both foreign and domestic investors, fostering a more competitive business environment that supports economic growth," he said.
Reclaiming these properties will also expand the tax base, providing the government with additional revenue to improve public services and infrastructure development. Beyond the economic benefits, Moyo emphasised that the initiative reflects patriotism and community empowerment. The operations will support local communities through job creation and better access to services, as well as community development programmes in health and education aimed at improving quality of life and fostering social cohesion.
Once properties are returned, Nitram intends to promote sustainable farming practices to ensure long-term productivity and environmental conservation, leading to a notable increase in agricultural output.
Moyo further noted that the project aligns with the National Peace and Reconciliation Act by addressing historical injustices and fostering national unity through collaboration with civil society and local authorities. "This engagement is crucial for building a united front toward national development. Reclaiming these assets is not about personal or organisational gain, but about rebuilding Zimbabwe in a manner that honours the sacrifices of liberation war veterans," he said.
He praised President Mnangagwa and Vice President Kembo Mohadi for their facilitative roles, describing the process as a landmark recognition of former freedom fighters' contributions. "The Second Republic, under His Excellency President Mnangagwa, made this possible. His instruction for transparency and the appointment of Vice President Mohadi to oversee the process underscores his commitment to our cause," Moyo said.
The chairperson called for patience among beneficiaries as final preparations for property allocation are underway. Nitram Properties has implemented measures to ensure a fair and transparent process, including representation for families of deceased veterans. "We are confident that when the time comes, the process will be conducted with dignity and fairness. The President is a man of his word, and we trust in his leadership," he added.
Currently, Nitram Properties has 10,000 registered members and has identified and documented over 100 properties. In 2023, hundreds of ex-ZPRA combatants from all ten provinces convened in Bulawayo to form a 13-member committee responsible for asset compilation and government engagement.
The late Retired Colonel Tshinga Dube convened the meeting under the direction of Zanu-PF Second Secretary, Mohadi. The committee is chaired by Moyo (Matabeleland South), with Queen Maligwa (Matabeleland North) as deputy chairperson and Buster Magwizi (Mashonaland West) serving as secretary for information and publicity.
Moyo concluded by affirming that once properties are returned, a formal board will be established to oversee distribution, ensuring inclusivity for all stakeholders, including families of deceased veterans. "We are ready to move forward. This is a significant milestone in acknowledging the sacrifices of liberation heroes and shaping a prosperous Zimbabwe for future generations," he said.
Through their investment vehicle, Nitram Properties, the former fighters are actively working to recover and revitalise a diverse portfolio of assets including farms, shops, mines, wildlife sanctuaries, hotels, fuel stations, and urban estates scattered across the country.
Speaking on behalf of the board, Nitram Properties chairperson, Volta Ekem Moyo, said the reclamation initiative aligns closely with the national agenda to elevate Zimbabwe to upper-middle-income status by 2030. He highlighted that reopening these businesses and farms will generate thousands of jobs, stimulating business activities across supply chains and related sectors, thus boosting employment and revitalising local economies.
Moyo underscored the critical role of resuscitating agricultural estates in strengthening local food production, enhancing food security, and reducing reliance on imports. "This increase in output is essential for achieving food security and reducing reliance on imports. Demonstrating a commitment to property rights will encourage both foreign and domestic investors, fostering a more competitive business environment that supports economic growth," he said.
Reclaiming these properties will also expand the tax base, providing the government with additional revenue to improve public services and infrastructure development. Beyond the economic benefits, Moyo emphasised that the initiative reflects patriotism and community empowerment. The operations will support local communities through job creation and better access to services, as well as community development programmes in health and education aimed at improving quality of life and fostering social cohesion.
Once properties are returned, Nitram intends to promote sustainable farming practices to ensure long-term productivity and environmental conservation, leading to a notable increase in agricultural output.
Moyo further noted that the project aligns with the National Peace and Reconciliation Act by addressing historical injustices and fostering national unity through collaboration with civil society and local authorities. "This engagement is crucial for building a united front toward national development. Reclaiming these assets is not about personal or organisational gain, but about rebuilding Zimbabwe in a manner that honours the sacrifices of liberation war veterans," he said.
He praised President Mnangagwa and Vice President Kembo Mohadi for their facilitative roles, describing the process as a landmark recognition of former freedom fighters' contributions. "The Second Republic, under His Excellency President Mnangagwa, made this possible. His instruction for transparency and the appointment of Vice President Mohadi to oversee the process underscores his commitment to our cause," Moyo said.
The chairperson called for patience among beneficiaries as final preparations for property allocation are underway. Nitram Properties has implemented measures to ensure a fair and transparent process, including representation for families of deceased veterans. "We are confident that when the time comes, the process will be conducted with dignity and fairness. The President is a man of his word, and we trust in his leadership," he added.
Currently, Nitram Properties has 10,000 registered members and has identified and documented over 100 properties. In 2023, hundreds of ex-ZPRA combatants from all ten provinces convened in Bulawayo to form a 13-member committee responsible for asset compilation and government engagement.
The late Retired Colonel Tshinga Dube convened the meeting under the direction of Zanu-PF Second Secretary, Mohadi. The committee is chaired by Moyo (Matabeleland South), with Queen Maligwa (Matabeleland North) as deputy chairperson and Buster Magwizi (Mashonaland West) serving as secretary for information and publicity.
Moyo concluded by affirming that once properties are returned, a formal board will be established to oversee distribution, ensuring inclusivity for all stakeholders, including families of deceased veterans. "We are ready to move forward. This is a significant milestone in acknowledging the sacrifices of liberation heroes and shaping a prosperous Zimbabwe for future generations," he said.
Source - zimpapers
