THE ZPRA Veterans Association has issued a scathing critique of government's treatment of liberation war veterans and citizens, as the nation commemorates Heroes Day.
In a Press statement, the association urged government to prioritise land allocation, guarantee veterans' welfare and ensure fair economic participation for all Zimbabweans.
“We cannot continue to celebrate Heroes Day with speeches and parades while the true heroes of our independence are left behind," ZPRA Veterans Association deputy spokesperson Joakim Moyo said.
“This is trivialisation and an insult to the costly revolutionary commitment never seen before in this country and beyond.”
The association's statement highlighted the struggles of veterans who fought for the country's liberation, only to be left in poverty and without access to the land they fought for.
“Many of the surviving veterans live in poverty, without access to the land they fought for and without meaningful livelihoods,” Moyo said.
“Widows and orphans of the struggle remain marginalised, while the broader masses continue to face unemployment, poor housing and limited access to economic opportunities.”
The association called on government to take concrete steps to address these issues, including prioritising land allocation to liberation war veterans and their families, guaranteeing veterans' welfare, and ensuring fair economic participation for all Zimbabweans.
- Mnangagwa’s call out to war veterans welcome
- Zim needs monarch system, says prophet
- Interview: CAPS tussle: Mutanda bares it all
- US$20bn lawsuit divides Zipra
Keep Reading
“We urge government to preserve and tell the full liberation history — recognising the contributions of both ZPRA and Zanla without bias,” Moyo said.
“The current history is gradually elbowing out the ZPRA effort and crediting Zanla with it. This reduces the great Zapu-ZPRA effort to nominal.
“The blood that won our freedom must yield a harvest for all." Empower people and you have unleashed unlimited and transforming effort (sic).”
