News / National
Jabulani Sibanda urges war vets to unite amid Zanu-PF divisions
10 hrs ago | Views
Zanu PF Bulawayo Provincial Chairperson Jabulani Sibanda has called for unity among war veterans, urging them to collectively address grievances as Zimbabwe faces increasing global uncertainty.
Speaking at the launch of the Presidential War Veterans Fund and the Village Business Unit (VBU) empowerment programme at Stanley Square in Makokoba, Bulawayo, Sibanda emphasized the critical role of war veterans in securing the country's political and economic future.
The event, which brought together war veterans from Bulawayo, Matabeleland North, and Matabeleland South, comes amid growing divisions within Zanu PF and discontent among some war veterans, who have called for President Emmerson Mnangagwa's resignation over allegations of nepotism, corruption, and economic mismanagement.
A faction of war veterans, led by Blessed Runesu Geza, a former liberation fighter, has criticized Mnangagwa's leadership and expressed regret over his 2017 rise to power. Former ZPRA fighters in Bulawayo have also warned against extending Mnangagwa's term beyond constitutional limits, cautioning that such a move could destabilize the country.
In his address, Sibanda urged reconciliation among war veterans, calling on leaders of various associations to engage with those harboring grievances.
"A tree grows in two directions. There are the visible leaves and flowers, which provide fresh air and beauty, and then there are the roots, which grow underground, providing stability. War veterans are the roots of this country's independence, and right now, those roots are struggling," Sibanda said.
He warned against infighting within Zanu PF and divisive rhetoric, calling for dialogue to resolve disputes.
"Let's stop saying 'down with so and so' without first sitting down to ask, ‘Comrade, what is your challenge?'" Sibanda said.
He also pointed to the pivotal role of war veterans in past elections, urging them to take responsibility for uniting the nation.
Sibanda highlighted the shifting global political landscape, particularly in the United States, as a reason for war veterans to unite.
"Look at America, a country known for democracy, yet they are now expelling people who are not Americans as though they are captured. Look at their policies. They want to take Gaza in Palestine to be part of America. We have returned to a time where everything is dictated by military power," he said.
He cautioned that Africa's wealth and resources could once again become targets for exploitation by former colonial powers.
"The Whites are coming back. Trump has withdrawn from United Nations institutions. Tomorrow, they might leave the UN and use their strength to recolonize Africa. This is the time to unite," Sibanda warned.
Sibanda called on Zanu PF leaders, including Cephas Ncube, the National Chairperson of War Veterans, and Douglas Mahiya, Zanu PF Secretary for War Veterans, to engage with disgruntled members to foster unity.
"This is the time for Ncube and Mahiya to unite war veterans in all places. Even if they belong to different associations, we must make them see the task ahead of us. If war veterans come together, then our country will come together," he said.
Sibanda also urged the government to extend recognition and support to war collaborators who assisted liberation fighters during the struggle, such as chimbwidos.
Addressing political divisions within Zanu PF, Sibanda called on politburo members to resolve their issues for the sake of national stability.
"You comrades in the politburo, please be like the tree's roots. Go and solve your issues. If everyone solves their issues, then we can move forward," he said.
Sibanda concluded his address by reiterating the need for unity to safeguard Zimbabwe's sovereignty and protect the gains of the liberation struggle.
"All war veterans must unite so that we can become strong, and the enemy will never overrun us. If we remain divided, we will be easy targets for those who seek to undermine our revolution," he said.
Speaking at the launch of the Presidential War Veterans Fund and the Village Business Unit (VBU) empowerment programme at Stanley Square in Makokoba, Bulawayo, Sibanda emphasized the critical role of war veterans in securing the country's political and economic future.
The event, which brought together war veterans from Bulawayo, Matabeleland North, and Matabeleland South, comes amid growing divisions within Zanu PF and discontent among some war veterans, who have called for President Emmerson Mnangagwa's resignation over allegations of nepotism, corruption, and economic mismanagement.
A faction of war veterans, led by Blessed Runesu Geza, a former liberation fighter, has criticized Mnangagwa's leadership and expressed regret over his 2017 rise to power. Former ZPRA fighters in Bulawayo have also warned against extending Mnangagwa's term beyond constitutional limits, cautioning that such a move could destabilize the country.
In his address, Sibanda urged reconciliation among war veterans, calling on leaders of various associations to engage with those harboring grievances.
"A tree grows in two directions. There are the visible leaves and flowers, which provide fresh air and beauty, and then there are the roots, which grow underground, providing stability. War veterans are the roots of this country's independence, and right now, those roots are struggling," Sibanda said.
He warned against infighting within Zanu PF and divisive rhetoric, calling for dialogue to resolve disputes.
"Let's stop saying 'down with so and so' without first sitting down to ask, ‘Comrade, what is your challenge?'" Sibanda said.
He also pointed to the pivotal role of war veterans in past elections, urging them to take responsibility for uniting the nation.
Sibanda highlighted the shifting global political landscape, particularly in the United States, as a reason for war veterans to unite.
"Look at America, a country known for democracy, yet they are now expelling people who are not Americans as though they are captured. Look at their policies. They want to take Gaza in Palestine to be part of America. We have returned to a time where everything is dictated by military power," he said.
He cautioned that Africa's wealth and resources could once again become targets for exploitation by former colonial powers.
"The Whites are coming back. Trump has withdrawn from United Nations institutions. Tomorrow, they might leave the UN and use their strength to recolonize Africa. This is the time to unite," Sibanda warned.
Sibanda called on Zanu PF leaders, including Cephas Ncube, the National Chairperson of War Veterans, and Douglas Mahiya, Zanu PF Secretary for War Veterans, to engage with disgruntled members to foster unity.
"This is the time for Ncube and Mahiya to unite war veterans in all places. Even if they belong to different associations, we must make them see the task ahead of us. If war veterans come together, then our country will come together," he said.
Sibanda also urged the government to extend recognition and support to war collaborators who assisted liberation fighters during the struggle, such as chimbwidos.
Addressing political divisions within Zanu PF, Sibanda called on politburo members to resolve their issues for the sake of national stability.
"You comrades in the politburo, please be like the tree's roots. Go and solve your issues. If everyone solves their issues, then we can move forward," he said.
Sibanda concluded his address by reiterating the need for unity to safeguard Zimbabwe's sovereignty and protect the gains of the liberation struggle.
"All war veterans must unite so that we can become strong, and the enemy will never overrun us. If we remain divided, we will be easy targets for those who seek to undermine our revolution," he said.
Source - cite
