War veterans ‘tired of empty promises’

in Gwanda by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Defence, Home Affairs and Security Services yesterday, war veterans said their welfare issues have always been clear and what they required now was implementation.

The war veterans said they have nothing to show for their sacrifices and hard work, which brought independence.

They said they hope that under the New Dispensation, Government would finally put in place effective policies to cater for their welfare

The war veterans also said they were suffering from chronic illnesses which they developed during the liberation struggle but were failing to get quality health care services. They said there was a need for a fund to be allocated through the Ministry of Health and Child Care to cater for medical expenses and enable them to access health care services outside the country.

“The plight of war veterans is known and there is nothing new to talk about. For now we want action from the Government. We’re tired of the promises that have been made since 1980.

“In 2016 we presented a war victims commission document, outlining all our challenges to the former President Robert Mugabe. President Mnangagwa and Vice President Constantino Chiwenga also have the document as well as Parliament. The War Veterans Bill is also clear about what the Government should do,” said Cde Dumisani Sibanda during the Bulawayo hearing.

He said the War Veterans Act contains everything about the freedom fighters, hence it was time for implementation not further hearings.

Cde Douglas Ndlovu said it was unfortunate that 39 years after independence, there were some war veterans who were not receiving paltry allowances available for them because they were yet to be vetted.

“While we appeal to the Government to increase our allowances from RTGS$240, others are not receiving anything because they were