Current Affairs

CHILDREN OF WAR VETERANS PETITION WINS IN PARLIAMENT

Published

1 year ago

October 3, 2024

By Sam Mupedziswa

The Minister of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Hon Senator Monica Mavhunga has stated to Parliament that the War Veterans Ministry will be supporting fully the petition requests by the Children of War Veterans & Heroes Dependents in Parliament.

The Ministers response stated: “Allow me to thank Honourable members for the insightful contributions on the issues that were raised by children of War Veterans. The contributions clearly demonstrate the importance that this august House attaches to the welfare and empowerment of our Veterans of the Liberation Struggle and their dependants. For nearly three decades now, Government has been providing a range of benefits to our Veterans and is committed to improving them from time to time. Nonetheless, there still remains room for enhancement and engagements such as these help to shape the nature and scope of the improvement. Let me now go straight into the issues that were raised.”

In terms of Educational Fees assistance the Hon Minister stated: “Mr. Speaker Sir, whilst the Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Board which is empowered to make decisions on statutory benefits has already increased the age ceiling to thirty (30) years, the Ministry has commenced the process of amending the existing statutory instrument to remove the age ceiling in line with the Committee’s observations and recommendations.”

The amendment will provide that students can be sponsored up to Doctorate level if they so wish.

“As suggested by Hon J. Tshuma, the amendment will also stipulate that Veterans’ children will not be kicked out of school for non-payment of fees. Indeed, as Hon Batau indicated, the welfare of our children is an obligation.

Mr. Speaker Sir, the second recommendation by the Committee is that the Ministry should ensure timeous payment of school fees. The major challenge is that of funding which results in delays from time to time.”

The Ministry is currently paying for school fees for 6 395 students of which 1 401 are at colleges and universities.

In addition to calls by Hon T.Pinduka and MP Nketa Constituency Hon A.T. Mavunga for the august House to fully fund the Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Fund and advocate for enough budget allocations for my Ministry in order for war veterans to get their benefits as prescribed by Section 149 of the Constitution.

“I wish to thank this august House for the support it has always given to the Ministry’s budget as far as benefits for Veterans and their dependants are concerned. I also wish to thank the Ministry of Finance, Investment Promotion and Economic Development for their support, given the current economic situation. We are currently in the process of clearing school fees arrears for the first term of 2024, following the recent injection of funds,” added MP Mavunga.

The third recommendation is that the Ministry should engage tertiary institutions to allow continuous learning of War Veterans’ children while payment is processed.

“Mr. Speaker Sir, the Ministry enjoys a lot of support from the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science, Innovation and Technology Development in this regard, as well as the tertiary institutions themselves. The same applies to the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education. As things stand, we recently cleared arrears for the 3rd term of 2023 and are in the process of clearing arrears for the first term of 2024 but students are learning. In our interaction with the tertiary institutions, we have also come to understand the financial challenges that they face and we have worked out payment arrangements,” added Senator Mavhunga.

With respect to the 20% Quota and rampant Evictions of War Veterans and Heroes Dependents, the Minister stated:

“To address these pressing issues, I convened a meeting with the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, alongside key officials, to discuss these matters in detail. A technical committee was established to tackle these challenges and put an end to these wanton evictions. While it is too early to assess the progress and effectiveness of this initiative, I believe it is crucial for the responsible Minister to provide an update on the steps being taken.”

Veterans also face similar challenges in the mining sector. In response, I held a similar meeting with the Minister of Mines and Mining Development, resulting in the formation of another technical committee to resolve these mining issues. We are hopeful that this committee will rectify these challenges and safeguard Veterans’ mining claims.

Additionally, my Ministry recommends implementing a 20% quota for Veterans in other sectors of the economy, such as government procurement, to ensure they receive their fair share of opportunities.

“The necessary amendments to existing statutes to effect this have already been initiated and submitted to Cabinet.We owe our Veterans not just our gratitude but tangible support and protection. It is imperative that we take decisive action to ensure they receive unfettered access to the land and other resources they fought for and deserve,” said the Minister.

With respect to the monthly Pensions of War Veterans Minister Mavhunga said, “Mr. Speaker Sir, I sincerely appreciate the recommendation by the Committee to adjust the monthly pension of War Veterans and Ex-Political Prisoners, Detainees and Restrictees to the full salary of a Warrant Officer Class One. This is the barest minimum. As pointed out by Hon Matsunga and Hon Mukomberi, there is need to increase the amount of monthly pension payable to war veterans to levels close to the poverty datum line where an average family of five to six people need US$540-00 monthly.”

On the matter of Specialised Healthcare for the Veterans and their Dependants:

“Mr Speaker Sir, Veterans and their dependants are entitled to medical treatment at Government medical institutions. Where services are not available at Government institutions, the Ministry of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs pays for services at private medical institutions or in some instances, outside the country on referral. I recently held a meeting with the Minister of Health and Child Care where we discussed medical benefits. A technical committee comprising officials from both Ministries is currently working on implementing the matters that we discussed. Whilst the Ministry of Health and Child Care is facing its own challenges, they assured us that they will prioritise Veterans in their institutions. On its part, the Ministry of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs will continue to explore ways of improving the delivery of health services to Veterans. This includes the establishment of a medical aid scheme as suggested by Hon Mukomberi and Hon Nkala which has been under consideration for some time.”

Current Affairs

Government Hails Muroodzi River Rehabilitation Pilot

Published

2 days ago

February 6, 2026

Editor

By Itai Mazire

A high-level government delegation, led by Deputy Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Engineer Amos Marawa, has praised the progress made on the pilot project of the Presidential River Rehabilitation Program at Muroodzi River in Mazowe.

The delegation, which included secretaries from various government departments, expressed satisfaction with the ongoing de-siltation and restoration efforts being carried out by Prevail Group of Companies, owned by Special Advisor to the President, Dr. Paul Tungwarara.

Engineer Marawa said the initiative is set to be rolled out nationwide.

“All provinces are working to identify degraded river sites so we can quantify the amount of rehabilitation work required,” he said.

“To kick-start this process, the government approved a pilot project, which was implemented at Muroodzi River in Mazowe.”

The project, which began last year, initially focused on a five-kilometre stretch of the river.

“We developed a rehabilitation plan in consultation with Prevail International, the company appointed for the work,” Eng. Marawa explained.

“They have already restored about three kilometres, starting with the most degraded section of the five-kilometre stretch. We are here to assess the quality of their work, and we are pleased with the progress in de-siltation and river restoration.”

Prevail International Project Manager, Simbarashe Makonese, outlined the challenges and solutions implemented.

“This site was heavily mined, with excessive silt in the river, unstable banks, and eroded riverside slopes. Our work has involved removing silt, stabilising degraded slopes, installing soil erosion control sheets, and rehabilitating the riverbanks,” he said.

Mrs. Tendai Sithole, Chief Executive Officer of Prevail International, highlighted the project’s achievements.

“We intentionally started with a five-kilometre stretch of Muroodzi River, and to date, three kilometres have been restored. Our work has restored irrigation, agricultural activities, and access to clean and safe water for communities along the river,” she said.

The Presidential River Rehabilitation Program is a key government initiative aimed at reversing extensive environmental damage caused by years of illegal and uncontrolled riverbed mining.

Such activities led to severe siltation, disrupted water flow, and negatively affected irrigation, agricultural productivity, and access to clean water for communities.

The government has banned riverbed mining through Cabinet resolutions, reinforced by Statutory Instrument 88 of 2024.

The Muroodzi River project serves as a prototype, demonstrating practical and sustainable methods for restoring degraded rivers and improving water flow. Once the model proves successful, plans are in place for a national rollout across all provinces.

Current Affairs

Chamisa Under Fire as High Court Is Asked to Probe CCC Finances

Published

2 days ago

February 6, 2026

Editor

A Harare resident has petitioned the High Court, calling for former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa to account for the party’s finances before establishing or registering any new political formation.

The applicant, Mr Talent Rusere, filed the application on Thursday, arguing that Mr Chamisa should not be permitted to launch another political entity without first ensuring a transparent handover of CCC affairs and a full audit of the party’s financial records.

In his court papers, Mr Rusere is requesting a comprehensive review of CCC assets and expenditures, including an armoured vehicle allegedly acquired for Mr Chamisa in 2021, as well as the management of both public and donor-funded resources.

He further argues that the audit should be conducted independently, certified by the Auditor-General, and formally acknowledged by the party’s current leadership.

The application also seeks an order compelling Mr Chamisa to submit a sworn financial statement within 21 days, outlining how party funds were handled during his time at the helm.

The matter is now awaiting consideration by the High Court.

Current Affairs

Minister Chadzamira Hands Over Starlink Kits to Junior Parliamentarians

Published

2 days ago

February 6, 2026

Editor

Itai Mazire

In a pivotal move set to revolutionise education in Masvingo Province, the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Hon. Ezra Chadzamira, handed over 35 Starlink kits to 35 Junior Parliamentarians at Victoria High School.

The initiative marks a significant step in the Government’s unwavering commitment to bridging the digital divide and nurturing a technologically advanced generation in line with Vision 2030.

The event showcased the national drive to integrate technology into the learning environment, ensuring that Zimbabwean students are equipped to meet the demands of the 21st century. This vision has been consistently championed by the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Professor Torerayi Moyo.

“Connectivity is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity for learning in the 21st century,” said Professor Moyo.

“We are building an education system that is inclusive, modern and future-ready. By investing in connectivity, we are investing in the dreams of our children, the strength of our communities, and the prosperity of our nation,” he added.

Minister Chadzamira echoed these sentiments, highlighting the transformative potential of the Starlink kits.

“This gesture is more than just the distribution of equipment; it is a powerful symbol of our commitment to bridging the digital divide and empowering the next generation of leaders,” he said.

He also outlined ambitious plans for the province.

“My office intends to roll out this initiative across the entire province to create a technologically savvy generation in line with Vision 2030,” said Hon. Chadzamira.

The Junior Parliamentarians, now equipped with high-speed internet access, are expected to use the technology to enhance their learning and to serve as digital ambassadors within their respective schools and communities.

This strategic distribution forms part of a broader Government programme to connect schools nationwide, ensuring that every learner, regardless of geographical location, has access to global knowledge and resources.

The Government’s proactive approach underscores its commitment to building a future-ready education system and advancing Zimbabwe’s national development goals.