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Ambassador Chris Mutsvangwa

Abigail Mawonde Herald Reporter
War veterans have pledged support for their new executive led by Ambassador Christopher Mutsvangwa and expressed confidence that it will deliver. Ambassador Mutsvangwa was nominated unopposed as the new chairperson of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) at a congress held in Masvingo over the weekend. The congress ushered in the new national executive comprising members from all the 10 provinces.

War veterans accused the Jabulani Sibanda-led executive of neglecting them and pursuing a regime change agenda at the expense of the core values of the association.
“I am happy because one enemy has gone. Jabulani Sibanda had destroyed the war veterans’ association. It was my goal that it happens,” said Cde Joseph Chinotimba, in an interview on the sidelines of the congress on Sunday.

He welcomed Cde Mutsvangwa.
“As elders, we will help him even in the provinces. I am really happy,” said Cde Chinotimba.
Another war veteran and Nyanga North legislator Retired Lieutenant Colonel Hubert Nyanhongo said the emergence of Cde Mutsvangwa and the executive was going to revive the association.

“There is great hope that things will be okay for the war veterans, the party and the nation at large. Looking at his experience and background as a diplomat and seasoned war veteran who joined the struggle early in 1974, we are hoping to see great changes that we had never expected.

“Looking at his capabilities, there is great hope that the association will not be the same again. Basa ravaMugabe richaita nyore,” said Cde Nyanhongo.
He said it was the role of the war veterans to make sure that Zanu-PF was protected and that its principles were followed.
Cde Takure Maeresera said the new ZNLWA should address the plight of the freedom fighters.

“We expect the new leadership to address our welfare. We agreed that these people can work with us well.
“They are trustworthy and we were with them in the bush. They are not bogus. If they fail, we have the right to remove them. But we know they will not fail,” he said.
Former ZNLWA secretary general Cde Andy Mhlanga said he expected the new executive to strengthen Zanu-PF and enable the party to go to congress united.

“Jabulani Sibanda had neglected the war veterans in pursuit of a regime change agenda,” he said.
The new ZNLWA national executive members are Cde Mutsvangwa (chairperson), deputy chairperson Cde Headman Moyo (Matabeleland North), secretary-general Cde Victor Matemadanda (Midlands), treasurer Cde Robert Ncube (Bulawayo), political commissar Cde Francis Nando (Masvingo) and secretary for security Cde Malaki Mpofu (Matabeleland South).

Cde Mandi Chimene (Manicaland) was elected secretary for information and publicity, secretary for transport and welfare Charles Mpofu (Harare), secretary for legal affairs Chief Chivese (Mashonaland East), and secretary for women affairs Cde Esther Munyaradzi.