Monicah Mavhunga

"As we approach the annual budget, our ministry looks forward to receiving funding to complete this process. For these individuals to be officially recognized, we need to finalize the vetting process."

"This led to the establishment of the War Veterans Act, which expanded recognition to all veterans under the new law. This inclusion is outlined in Chapter 17:12 of the Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Act."

"In 1997, discontented war veterans pressured the late former President Robert Mugabe to grant them $50,000 each in gratuities and additional benefits in recognition of their contributions to the liberation struggle. This demand stemmed from longstanding grievances regarding their treatment and the inadequacy of benefits provided to veterans of the war."

"This indicates that a significant number of individuals were omitted from the vetting process. With approximately 99,000 people involved, it's essential to complete this process to ensure they aren't left out."

"Previously, only war veterans who directly participated in the struggle were acknowledged, leaving out others who played supporting roles, such as collaborators, detainees, and untrained recruits."

"It is relatively straightforward to verify veterans who received formal training, but for war collaborators and political detainees, it requires collaboration and confirmation from those who served alongside them."

"The vetting process must continue, as an estimated 100,000 individuals were excluded during the previous vetting exercise. It is essential to ensure that all eligible veterans are recognized and supported."