Mnangagwa pledges land titles for war veterans

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has reaffirmed the Government's commitment to improving the welfare of war veterans and securing land ownership rights, pledging to accelerate the issuance of land titles as part of broader efforts to promote economic empowerment and safeguard the gains of the liberation struggle.

Addressing the 4th National Assembly of the War Veterans, Ex-Political Prisoners, Detainees and Restrictees League at Zanu PF headquarters yesterday, Mnangagwa said the Second Republic remained committed to recognising the sacrifices made by liberation fighters and ensuring they benefit from national development programmes.

The gathering was held under the theme, "Empowering War Veterans; Securing Land Title for Lasting Legacy and Prosperity."

Mnangagwa said the provision of land titles to war veterans and other Zimbabweans was central to strengthening national sovereignty and creating opportunities for wealth creation.

"By securing land title for our veterans and the rest of our communities, we are cementing the foundation of our sovereignty," he said.

"Under the Second Republic, we are a listening party and Government; we will never neglect the liberators of this great country."

The President said the conference theme reflected the close relationship between the liberation struggle, land ownership and economic security.

He described land as a birthright for all Zimbabweans and a sacred inheritance secured through the sacrifices of those who participated in the country's liberation war.

"Land is the birthright of all Zimbabweans and the sacred inheritance for which many fought and sacrificed," Mnangagwa said.

The President said the Government's land tenure reforms are intended to provide beneficiaries with greater security of ownership while unlocking economic opportunities through improved access to financing and investment.

He added that empowering war veterans remained a key priority of the Second Republic, with Government programmes designed to improve livelihoods and recognise their contribution to the country's independence.

Mnangagwa also assured delegates that measures were being implemented to strengthen social protection programmes for the families of liberation fighters, including widows, children and other dependants of war veterans.

The commitment comes as Government continues implementing policies aimed at regularising land ownership and providing title deeds to beneficiaries of the land reform programme, a process authorities say is intended to enhance productivity, investment and long-term economic growth.

War veterans have remained an influential constituency within Zimbabwe's political landscape and have consistently called for improved welfare support, access to economic opportunities and greater recognition of their contribution to the country's liberation struggle.

The latest pledge is expected to be welcomed by many veterans who have long advocated for secure land tenure as a means of protecting their legacy and creating opportunities for future generations.

Government officials say the land title programme forms part of broader efforts to empower citizens, strengthen property rights and support national development while preserving the gains of the liberation struggle.