GOVERNMENT AVAILS ZIG 47,2 MILLION FOR WAR COLLABORATORS AND NON-COMBATANT CADRES

By Sam Mupedziswa

The Zimbabwean government has released ZWL 47.2 million to facilitate the vetting process for war collaborators and non-combatant cadres, as announced by Minister of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle, Honourable Senator Monicah Mavhunga. This exercise aims to verify and recognize the contributions of genuine veterans to the nation’s independence .

This development follows the government’s April assurance to resume vetting, previously halted due to funding constraints. With over 93,363 war collaborators and non-combatant cadres awaiting vetting, this exercise marks the final phase of verification efforts . 

The post-vetting assessment revealed that over 93 363 War Collaborators and Non-Combatant Cadres still require vetting. It was recognized that a significant number of War Collaborators were excluded due to an age limit imposed by the existing legislation, despite their recognition by wartime commanders as being among the most agile and effective participants in the struggle. 

The exercise will commence on 25 September, 2024 in all the wartime fronts. War Veterans who operated in specific areas will vet War Collaborators and the wartime operational command structure has been reactivated. Detachment/Zone Commanders will be responsible for the actual vetting supervised by their Sector/Region Commanders. For Non-Combatant Cadres, the vetting will be in provincial capitals across the country and will be conducted by Commanders of various transit camps.

Individuals not satisfied with the outcome of the vetting process can appeal in terms of Section 9 of the Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Act. In terms of Section 8 (8) of the Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Act, the names of the successful candidates shall be listed and published in the Government Gazette for thirty days after the conclusion of the vetting exercise to allow members of the public to make representations.