ZIPRA veterans yesterday dismissed President Robert Mugabe‘s claims that the newly-commissioned China –Africa Sunlight Energy coal mine in Gwayi will benefit them together with other war veterans as a mere “talk show” and insisted they want the return of their properties first before any other benefits. Report by Richard Muponde
In a speech read on his behalf by Defence minister Emmerson Mnangagwa at the ground-breaking ceremony for coal exploration by the Chinese firm, Mugabe acknowledged the presence of ex-Zipra High Command officials and pledged to ensure they benefited from the mine.
The mine is situated at Chamankano Farm which belongs to Bulawayo Resident Minister and Governor Cain Mathema.
China-Africa is a joint venture between the Ministry of Defence’s Oldstone Investments and a Chinese company, Sha Don Sunlight Energy Investments.
However, Zipra veterans chairman Buster Magwizi said if the President was serious about empowering them, he should have engaged the ex-Zipra High Command on the return of their properties and all war documents seized by government during Gukurahundi.
“We demand to be involved at the planning stage and know the processes and modalities for cadres to benefit than to hear it from newspapers.
“He should start by giving us back our properties, their title deeds and war documents seized during 1980 disturbances, so that we know the number of our cadres. We no longer have information about our cadres. He should bring back our cattle, immovable property and then we say thank you President, let’s now move to mines,” said Magwizi.
“At the moment this is just paying lip service . . . it’s a talk show. If he’s suggesting that Zipra benefit from coal, it’s unfair, who is benefitting from Chiadzwa? Everyone should benefit from the diamonds. They should recognise the War Veterans Board which is an Act of Parliament to ensure that the national cake is shared equally, than to say Zipra feeds from this mine and Zanla from that one.”
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The ex-Zipra High Command stirred controversy three weeks ago when it resumed its demands for the return of its properties.
