Car handouts won't fix War vets priorities

The leader of a faction of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA), Andreas Mathibela, has criticised recent vehicle donations by government officials and private individuals, describing them as politically motivated and disconnected from the country's pressing needs.

Speaking at the launch of a new initiative aimed at supporting struggling war veterans, Mathibela emphasised that former freedom fighters are not seeking handouts but recognition for their contributions to the liberation struggle.

"I am only seeing a few individuals who are doing that [donating cars], and they are doing it for political mileage. I hope it is not the government that is doing this," Mathibela said.

"If it is the government, it is very unfortunate. Their priorities then would not really be the right priorities because, as we speak, we have the healthcare services which are almost in shambles. We have our road network, our railway network. It really needs intensive rehabilitation."

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has in recent years distributed vehicles to Zanu-PF affiliates, football captains and people with disabilities, while businessmen Wicknell Chivayo and Kudakwashe Tagwirei have also donated cars.

Mathibela argued that such gestures benefit only a small segment of society, leaving the majority of Zimbabweans without support.

"If the government is behind this, I don't know what they want to achieve. That's why I hope I am proved wrong," he said.

The new veterans' initiative, according to Mathibela, is a self-help effort aimed at addressing long-standing gaps in welfare, as many former fighters feel largely forgotten.

"We have taken it upon ourselves to help each other. We are now on our own. The community, society and the appreciation of the sacrifices that were made by former freedom fighters have since been forgotten," he said.

"That small gesture will go a long way. We will be approaching people for support and we hope they extend a hand," he added.

Mathibela acknowledged that the reputation of war veterans has been tarnished by the actions of a few, but said the majority continue to struggle.

"Maybe about 80 or 90% of us are not anywhere near good leaders. We have done our part. And all we ask for now is just that appreciation for the contribution that we made during our time," he said.

Calling on the government to do more, Mathibela stressed that the fight for economic freedom remains incomplete for most veterans.

"The average former freedom fighter has nothing to show for it. To be more honest, they have nothing to show for it. Not that we are entitled to a comfortable life, but the reason why we went to war in the first place is to help them attain economic freedom. And that's what the majority of us have not benefited from up to this day," he said.