LEADERS of liberation struggle veterans have expressed concern over a surge in deaths among ex-combatants, blaming rising poverty and neglect as contributory factors.
Zimbabwe has lost dozens of war veterans in recent years, including serving and retired army generals, some of whom played key roles in the ouster of the late former President Robert Mugabe during the November 2017 military intervention.
Many of the deceased were liberation war fighters who participated in Zimbabwe’s independence struggle that culminated in independence in 1980. Several others have been declared national heroes and heroines and buried at various shrines across the country.
The Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) accuses the government and the ruling Zanu PF party of focusing on internal political struggles while neglecting the welfare of ex-combatants.
Speaking during a gathering to celebrate the elevation of Paul Tungwarara to the Zanu PF central committee on Saturday, Zanu PF national secretary for war veterans Douglas Mahiya said the rising deaths among former fighters, collaborators, ex-detainees and restrictees was alarming.
“I am worried about the rate at which we war veterans are dying. This is alarming and calls for urgent intervention,” he said.
Mahiya’s remarks reflect growing frustration within the war veterans’ community, many of whom have long complained about deteriorating living conditions. Reports indicate that several veterans are living in poverty, with some unable to afford school fees for their children or meet basic household needs.
These challenges have intensified criticism of the Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs ministry, which is accused of failing to adequately address their welfare concerns.
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Mahiya said he was preparing a comprehensive report for submission to Defence minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri and other senior Zanu PF leadership structures. He said the initiative aligned with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s agenda of party renewal, modernisation and social justice for marginalised groups.
He praised Mnangagwa’s appointment of Tungwarara as a presidential adviser on war veterans’ affairs, saying it demonstrated commitment to improving their welfare.
“Adviser Tungwarara works tirelessly for our cause. Through our President’s support, he will help to ensure our veterans’ needs are prioritised,” he said.
In an interview with NewsDay, ZNLWVA secretary-general Sam Parerenyatwa said efforts to engage the government over veterans’ welfare had largely gone unanswered.
“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.
“There is no funding for medication from Treasury to the ministry responsible for veterans’ affairs. We have tried to engage the government, but no one seems to be listening. Veterans are dying at home without medical support. The nation has forsaken its gallant fighters.”
Parerenyatwa added that many war veterans were suffering from untreated post-traumatic stress disorder, worsened by poverty and social neglect.
Muchinguri-Kashiri, who is also Zanu PF national chairperson, acknowledged the concerns and said her office would receive and review the forthcoming report.
“I have heard your concerns. We will review your report thoroughly and take appropriate action,” she said.
