War collaborators hail ED
WAR collaborators have hailed President Mnangagwa’s administration for showing political will to address some of their concerns, saying they are optimistic that their grievances will be attended to under the Second Republic.
They said President Mnangagwa’s administration has already shown readiness to look into their welfare which was a departure from the attitude shown to them by the previous Government led by ex-president Mr Robert Mugabe.
Zimbabwe Liberation War Collaborators Association (ZILIWACO) Masvingo provincial chair, Cde Samson Mukumbiri, said members of his association were encouraged by positive signs from Government with regards to reviewing their welfare.
He said they also deserved gratuities and school fees assistance for their children, among other benefits, just like what was offered to their war veterans colleagues.
The development comes as Government recently revealed that it was in the process of completing realignment of existing laws with the new Constitution ahead of regularisation of benefits to war collaborators.
“We are happy that Government has given us assurance that it is prepared to extend some benefits to us and this will see our members going through the rigorous vetting exercise, but I think the majority of war collaborators know each other, which is a good thing that makes everything easier,’’ said Cde Mukumbiri.
“We are very optimistic that the new Government will deliver on its promises to war collaborators. ZILIWACO is, however, not piling pressure on the new Government to offer its members monthly perks similar to those offered to war veterans.
“We expect a reasonable amount from Government as a token of appreciation for our participation in the liberation war.’’
Cde Mukumbiri had not kind words for Mr Mugabe, accusing him of repeatedly making empty promises to war collaborators during his 37-year reign.
“The previous government led by Mr Mugabe promised to allocate gold mines to our association a few years ago, but nothing materialised, but we now expect President Mnangagwa as a true servant of the people to do something for us.”
The war collaborators presented a list of their grievances to Masvingo Minister of State Cde Ezra Chadzamira, which they want Government to attend to.