ZPRA war vet plans solo anti-govt protest

Former ZIPRA combatant Pilate Ndebele has publicly condemned Zanu-PF's proposed constitutional amendments aimed at tweaking presidential term limits, describing the move as a betrayal of the democratic ideals fought for during the liberation struggle.

The criticism targets the party's "2030 agenda," which could see President Emmerson Mnangagwa's current term, set to end in 2028, extended to 2030. Ndebele, former Matabeleland South chairperson for the Welshman Ncube-led MDC faction, said the manner in which the government is pursuing these changes, coupled with what he called reckless use of State resources, compelled him to speak out.

"The issue of the Zanu-PF 2030 agenda and the current manner of the country's administration is a serious cause for concern not for me alone, but for all citizens," Ndebele said, describing the proposed amendments as a "mutilation" of the national constitution.

He also criticised what he termed the government's "piecemeal" distribution of resources, citing the recent gifting of bicycles to elderly war veterans in Plumtree under a presidential scheme. "As an 80-year-old war veteran, how can a government come and give me a bicycle as so-called empowerment? This is an insult," he said, arguing that selective benefits foster resentment in communities where public services are lacking.

Ndebele called for State resources to be prioritised towards public institutions, such as hospitals, that benefit all citizens. He also announced plans for a solo demonstration in Bulawayo, marching from the Central Police Station to the Mhlahlandlela government complex, to protest what he described as the "feja feja" (haphazard) system of governance.

The government has previously stated that empowerment initiatives for war veterans are intended to honour their sacrifices and improve their living conditions.