GOVERNMENT RECONSIDERS LEFT-OUT WAR COLLABORATORS IN A LANDMARK MOVE WHICH HAS SET THE VETTING EXERCISE IN MOTION

By Sam Mupedziswa

In a significant development, the Zimbabwean government has initiated a comprehensive review of its war collaborator recognition program, aiming to rectify historical injustices and provide long-overdue acknowledgment to deserving individuals.

The move, announced by the Ministry of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle, seeks to address the concerns of war collaborators who were previously excluded from benefits and recognition. The mop-up vetting exercise will commence on the 25th of this month and end on the 4th of October 2024. This decision is expected to bring relief to hundreds of Veterans who fought alongside liberation forces during the country’s struggle for independence.
 

For decades, War Collaborators have been advocating for recognition and compensation for their role in Zimbabwe’s Liberation. The vetting exercise will take place at ZITF, Bulawayo at the Ministry’s stand for a period of 10 days. However, many were left out of the initial recognition process due to various reasons, including administrative errors and lack of documentation.
 

The Government’s decision to reconsider these cases is a major breakthrough for affected individuals and their families. Cde Opha Ncube, a war collaborator from District 11, and Cde Masvi from Byo District 11, are among those who have welcomed the government’s move.

The Ministry of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle has assured that the review process will be thorough and transparent. A commission of inquiry has been established to investigate irregularities and ensure that all deserving individuals receive recognition. 

Zimbabwe War Veterans Association hailed the Government’s move as a significant step towards recognition and justice. “This is a major victory for our comrades who have been waiting for decades,” said the association’s spokesperson.