War vets under pressure to end feud

Pressure is mounting on members of the Zvimba East Veterans Investment Company (Zevic) to resolve long-running internal disputes and unite ahead of this year's Heroes Day commemorations, as the organisation begins implementing a Presidential Support Scheme for Liberation War Veterans.

The renewed calls for unity come against the backdrop of years of governance disputes, leadership wrangles and court battles that have hampered the operations of the war veterans' investment vehicle and delayed projects intended to benefit its members.

Sources familiar with developments said there is growing concern that continued infighting could undermine opportunities emerging through government-backed empowerment programmes aimed at improving the welfare and economic participation of liberation war veterans.

"There is increasing pressure from various quarters for Zevic members to reconcile and move forward as one organisation," a source told Standard People.

"This is a time when the country will be celebrating the sacrifices made by liberation war veterans, and it would be unfortunate for divisions to overshadow that recognition, especially when programmes designed to empower veterans are beginning to take shape."

The calls coincide with the rollout of a vehicle empowerment programme under the Presidential Support Scheme for Liberation War Veterans.

The initiative, being implemented in partnership with Chryjeep Motors, is intended to improve mobility for veteran leaders while supporting the implementation of Zimbabwe's National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and laying the groundwork for the forthcoming National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).

The programme's first phase recently got underway after the delivery of a JAC T9 Double Cab 4x4 for inspection at Zevic's headquarters along Dan Judson Road in Harare.

According to Zevic officials, the initial beneficiaries include retired Colonel Jowel Muzhamba Khumalo, retired Major Joe Chimonyo, Elina Chasi, Agnes Siyakurima, Deliwe D. Muvhuti, Michael Changadzo, Clifford Rutsate and veteran leader Cde Nasho.

Zevic principal director Israel Gada said the initiative forms part of broader government efforts to empower liberation war veterans and strengthen their participation in national development.

"Our liberation war veterans played a pivotal role in securing Zimbabwe's independence," Gada said.

"Through the Presidential Support Scheme, they are being equipped with the tools they need to continue contributing to national development in line with NDS1 and the forthcoming NDS2."

Zevic chief executive officer Joe Chimonyo said the vehicles were intended to support operational responsibilities rather than serve as personal rewards.

"These vehicles are tools that will enable us to monitor projects, engage communities and effectively implement programmes that contribute to the country's development agenda," Chimonyo said.

He added that beneficiaries would undergo a vetting process to ensure the programme supports committed liberation war veterans who uphold the principles of unity, discipline and service.

The rollout of the empowerment programme has intensified calls for members to set aside internal differences and refocus on the organisation's original mandate of promoting the welfare and economic interests of liberation war veterans.

Some members believe this year's Heroes Day commemorations provide an opportunity for Zevic to demonstrate unity and reaffirm the values of solidarity and sacrifice that characterised Zimbabwe's liberation struggle.

Meanwhile, Chryjeep Motors said its partnership with Zevic reflects the company's commitment to supporting government development initiatives by supplying reliable vehicles to institutions implementing community-based programmes.

The company said enhancing the operational capacity of veteran leaders would contribute to broader national development objectives and Zimbabwe's economic transformation agenda.