WAR veterans have appealed to government to cushion them in light of the prevailing economic challenges facing the country.
The war veterans were speaking to Zbc News in Siboza area of Gwanda, following a recent visit by Finance and economic development Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube.
The former freedom fighters also spoke on the need to be included in economic empowerment programmes.
“We are really appealing to the government to look into our welfare because if you look at most of us today, we have nothing much to show for our contribution. The pension we get cannot buy us food to feed our family.
“Most of us here have not benefited from the livestock programme that was launched in our province. this has resulted in many of us failing to sustain ourselves because we are not empowered,” they said.
In response, Professor Ncube said the Veterans of the Liberation Struggle bill is set to ensure that the challenges facing the former freedom fighters are adequately addressed.
“According to the bill, there will be a war veterans fund which will empower and create wealth for you. We will also address issues of health that you spoke about and we will also see to it that you benefit from the livestock programme that you alluded to, though of course the relevant ministry,” said Professor Ncube
The Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Bill was crafted following widespread consultations with the war veterans across the country.
