By Anyway Yotamu.
Government says the proposed new Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Bill which is now in Parliament is expected to unlock real and tangible benefits for war veterans.
Addressing former freedom fighters at a consultative meeting in Harare on 24th of February 2020 , the Minister of Defence and War Veterans, Cde Oppah Muchinguri Kashiri said the new dispensation led by President Emmerson Mnangagwa has seen it fit to reconsider the Veterans of Liberation Struggle Bill.
Minister Muchinguri Kashiri explained that the new law will see war veterans, ex-political prisoners and detainees entitled to a 20 percent share of all projects availed by the government.
“We must thank our President Mnangagwa. His new dispensation has the war veterans at heart. I am happy to tell you that the new veterans of the liberation struggle bill is on course. Cabinet finally approved it and it has the blessings of President Mnangagwa. So be rest assured that all your concerns will now be addressed through a bill when it comes into law,” said Minister Muchinguri.
Minister Muchinguri – Kashiri also challenged the freedom fighters to organise themselves and come up with project proposals in line with the contents of the bill.
“We should target projects in agriculture, fishing, parks and energy among others. This is our opportunity. Let’s use it,” she said.
The Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Bill will see all freedom fighters including war veterans, political prisoners and detainees going under a thorough vetting process before they are considered for pensions.