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War veterans express alarm over crisis
3 hrs ago |
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Leaders of the liberation struggle veterans have raised concern over what they describe as a sharp increase in deaths among ex-combatants, attributing the trend to worsening poverty, inadequate healthcare and systemic neglect.
Zimbabwe has in recent years recorded the deaths of dozens of war veterans, including serving and retired military generals, some of whom played key roles in the country's liberation struggle and the political events that led to the November 2017 transition of power.
Many of the deceased were veterans of the liberation war that culminated in independence in 1980, with several declared national heroes and heroines and buried at national shrines across the country.
The Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) has accused authorities of prioritising internal political matters over the welfare of former combatants.
Speaking at a gathering held on Saturday to mark the elevation of Paul Tungwarara to the ZANU-PF Central Committee, ZANU-PF Secretary for War Veterans Douglas Mahiya said the rising number of deaths among ex-fighters was deeply concerning.
"I am worried about the rate at which we war veterans are dying. This is alarming and calls for urgent intervention," Mahiya said.
His remarks come amid growing frustration within the veterans' community, many of whom report deteriorating living conditions, limited access to healthcare and financial hardship. Some say they are unable to afford basic needs such as school fees and medication.
The concerns have intensified scrutiny of the Ministry of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs, which has faced criticism over its perceived inability to adequately support former liberation fighters.
Mahiya said he was compiling a detailed report for submission to Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri and other senior leadership structures, adding that the initiative aligns with the ruling party's renewal and social justice agenda.
He also praised the appointment of presidential adviser on war veterans' affairs, saying it reflects efforts to strengthen engagement with the veterans' community.
Meanwhile, ZNLWVA secretary-general Sam Parerenyatwa said repeated attempts to engage government over welfare concerns have yielded little progress.
"We are greatly concerned. It looks like the nation is turning a blind eye to the medical predicament of the men and women who brought about the independence the nation so much cherishes," he said.
He added that many veterans are suffering from untreated post-traumatic stress disorder, compounded by poverty and lack of institutional support.
Parerenyatwa further claimed that there is insufficient Treasury funding allocated to veterans' healthcare, leaving many without adequate medical assistance.
Responding to the concerns, ZANU-PF national chairperson Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri said the matter would be reviewed once a formal report is submitted, pledging that appropriate action would be considered.
Zimbabwe has in recent years recorded the deaths of dozens of war veterans, including serving and retired military generals, some of whom played key roles in the country's liberation struggle and the political events that led to the November 2017 transition of power.
Many of the deceased were veterans of the liberation war that culminated in independence in 1980, with several declared national heroes and heroines and buried at national shrines across the country.
The Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) has accused authorities of prioritising internal political matters over the welfare of former combatants.
Speaking at a gathering held on Saturday to mark the elevation of Paul Tungwarara to the ZANU-PF Central Committee, ZANU-PF Secretary for War Veterans Douglas Mahiya said the rising number of deaths among ex-fighters was deeply concerning.
"I am worried about the rate at which we war veterans are dying. This is alarming and calls for urgent intervention," Mahiya said.
His remarks come amid growing frustration within the veterans' community, many of whom report deteriorating living conditions, limited access to healthcare and financial hardship. Some say they are unable to afford basic needs such as school fees and medication.
The concerns have intensified scrutiny of the Ministry of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs, which has faced criticism over its perceived inability to adequately support former liberation fighters.
Mahiya said he was compiling a detailed report for submission to Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri and other senior leadership structures, adding that the initiative aligns with the ruling party's renewal and social justice agenda.
He also praised the appointment of presidential adviser on war veterans' affairs, saying it reflects efforts to strengthen engagement with the veterans' community.
Meanwhile, ZNLWVA secretary-general Sam Parerenyatwa said repeated attempts to engage government over welfare concerns have yielded little progress.
"We are greatly concerned. It looks like the nation is turning a blind eye to the medical predicament of the men and women who brought about the independence the nation so much cherishes," he said.
He added that many veterans are suffering from untreated post-traumatic stress disorder, compounded by poverty and lack of institutional support.
Parerenyatwa further claimed that there is insufficient Treasury funding allocated to veterans' healthcare, leaving many without adequate medical assistance.
Responding to the concerns, ZANU-PF national chairperson Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri said the matter would be reviewed once a formal report is submitted, pledging that appropriate action would be considered.
Source - newsday
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