The Government has launched the Presidential Empowerment Scheme for Children of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle in a move meant to improve livelihoods of families of the country’s liberation fighters in honour of their selfless sacrifice to liberate the country.
At the launch, the Children of Zimbabwe Liberation War Veterans Association were presented with a seed capital of US$500 000 to kick-start their entrepreneurial ventures.
This initiative is part of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s broader strategy to ensure that veterans and their families achieve economic independence.
Dr Paul Tungwarara, Special Presidential Advisor on Investments, emphasised the importance of this empowerment programme.
“Our fathers answered the call to achieve what we have today. Today, our war is on empowerment. Their fighting in the struggle brought instabilities in your upgrading. You carry with you the struggle’s scars. The blood of Chimurenga runs in our veins. A war veteran’s child is also a war veteran. We are vital to the next chapter of development,” he said.
He further highlighted that the seed capital is not a handout but an investment to foster entrepreneurial spirit and connect beneficiaries with business mentors.
Senator Monica Mavhunga, Minister of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs, urged beneficiaries to utilise the funds responsibly.
She cautioned against corruption and emphasised the need for accountability.
”This scheme presents more than a policy. It is a promise that opportunity comes with responsibility. I urge all beneficiaries to shun corruption and embrace accountability and responsibility. Unity is critical as your shared legacy is your strength. We honour the liberation struggle legacy through hard work and honour,” she said.
Honourable Tino Machakaire, Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, highlighted the necessity of creating sustainable revenue streams to ensure the funding reaches all deserving children of the veterans.
“Children of war veterans have been neglected for long. Some lost their parents in the struggle while others came with disabilities. Most of these children know how to utilise the funds. They are very patriotic. We are requesting that the fund continue to be improved.”
“Let us do something for these children of war veterans so that we finish off their poverty. Let us not be afraid to defend our President and our party. Ours is to defend the President and the party. The President’s vision will only be fulfilled by the brave. Empowerment must be all-inclusive. We want a bottom-up approach. Start with the grassroots and later those at the top. The President’s programmes are for everyone,” he said.
Honourable Tatenda Mavetera, Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, encouraged unity among the beneficiaries.
She urged them to avoid divisive tendencies and work together towards common goals.
“I want to urge us not to be divided by this fund. As a child of a veteran of the struggle, I want to urge you not to start divisive schemes like trying to re-vet each other when the vetting was already done. Let’s move forward in unison and we will achieve,” she said.
Cde Phenius Makombe, Chairperson of the Children of Zimbabwe Liberation War Veterans Association, expressed gratitude for the initiative.
“What has been done today by our President is a huge step towards our development matrix. This has never been done before so I want to thank His Excellency for remembering us,” he said.
The event also saw the association being presented with a utility vehicle to assist in their daily operations. This gesture underscores the government’s commitment to supporting the children of liberation war veterans in their journey towards economic empowerment and self-sufficiency.
