Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the welfare of liberation war veterans through policy reforms, enhanced healthcare support and social protection programmes aimed at addressing their evolving needs.
Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs Minister, Senator Monica Mavhunga, said this during an engagement meeting with war veterans at Harare Polytechnic College, yesterday.
Mavhunga said Government was developing a comprehensive policy to coordinate interventions and ensure that veterans’ concerns were mainstreamed across State institutions.
“The policy development process is currently underway. Veterans of the Liberation Struggle and other relevant stakeholders will be consulted to ensure that their experiences, needs, aspirations and priorities inform its content,” she said.
She also revealed that plans were underway to settle outstanding school fees for children of war veterans and establish a medical aid scheme to strengthen access to healthcare for veterans and their dependants.
“Welfare remains one of the ministry’s most important responsibilities. Our veterans are ageing and face increasing chronic and age-related medical conditions,” Mavhunga said.
She said Government was making progress in clearing outstanding medical obligations and improving assistance for veterans and their dependants, including reviewing medical assistance thresholds administered through provincial structures.
The ministry was also strengthening its provincial and district structures to improve the handling of applications and reduce delays associated with referring cases to its head office.
Mavhunga said the proposed policy would provide a coordinated framework for addressing veterans’ welfare needs and contribute to the attainment of Vision 2030.
Government is also reviewing and amending key legislation governing veterans’ affairs, including the Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Act, the National Heroes Act and the War Victims Compensation Act.
The measures reflect Government’s continued commitment to recognising the contribution of liberation war veterans while strengthening the support systems needed to safeguard their welfare and that of their families.
