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Innocent Mujeri-Herald Correspondent

The recently concluded ZANU PF 21st Annual National People’s Conference has once again brought into focus the important role of veterans of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle in shaping the nation.

Several resolutions from the conference underline the necessity of not only preserving the legacy of these heroes, but also ensuring that their contributions are respected through meaningful policies that address their socio-economic needs.

As a nation built on the sacrifices of those who fought for independence, Zimbabwe’s efforts to honour its veterans are commendable.

The resolutions passed at the conference signal a renewed commitment to uplifting the lives of war veterans and preserving the memories of the liberation struggle for future generations.

These efforts are not only a moral obligation, but also a critical component of ensuring national cohesion, pride, and historical continuity.

The resolution to review protocol policy to recognise veterans of the liberation struggle at state occasions is a significant step towards ensuring that these heroes are given the respect they deserve.

State occasions, such as national holidays and official Government events, offer a platform for recognising those who laid the foundation for the nation.

By ensuring that war veterans are acknowledged at these events, the country fosters a sense of national pride and gratitude among its citizens.

This is not just about ceremonial gestures; it is about embedding the recognition of freedom fighters into the fabric of national consciousness.

When young Zimbabweans see war veterans honoured at major state occasions, it reinforces the importance of understanding their country’s history and the price of independence.

It sends a message that the legacy of the liberation struggle is not forgotten but rather celebrated as a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s identity.

The resolution to prioritise the disbursement of resources for the exhumations and reburials of liberation struggle veterans is not only a matter of respect but also of justice.

Many war veterans were buried in unmarked graves during the war, or in locations far from their families.

The process of exhuming and properly reburying these heroes to afford them dignity is a long-overdue process that restores their honour and provides closure for their families.

This resolution acknowledges that the emotional and spiritual healing of a nation can only occur when its heroes are laid to rest properly.

By addressing the need for reburials, Government is taking a step towards reconciliation with the past, ensuring that every war veteran is given the proper recognition for their ultimate sacrifice.

In recent years, there have been unfortunate instances where former freedom fighters and their families faced land evictions due to local development plans, or disputes over land ownership.

The resolution to protect war veterans from such evictions is vital. These men and women fought for the land that now constitutes Zimbabwe, and it is only right that they should be shielded from being displaced.

By prioritising war veterans’ rights to land, Government is upholding the promises made during the liberation struggle. This move will help preserve the dignity of war veterans and their lawful dependants, ensuring they are not left vulnerable to development projects that disregard their contributions and their rightful claims to land.

The establishment of provincial museums dedicated to preserving the memories of the liberation struggle is a visionary resolution that will have far-reaching benefits for Zimbabwe’s historical preservation.

These museums will serve as educational hubs, offering future generations a tangible connection to the past. They will tell the stories of the liberation heroes, the battles fought, and the sacrifices made to bring about the country’s independence.

In an age where global cultures are increasingly homogenised, having dedicated spaces to preserve Zimbabwe’s unique history is crucial.

These museums will not only serve local educational purposes but also act as tourist attractions, contributing to the economy while educating both Zimbabweans and visitors about the nation’s proud history.

Another important resolution focuses on accelerating the renaming of roads, schools, institutions, and buildings after veterans of the liberation struggle.

Names carry significant symbolic power, and the renaming of infrastructure in honour of liberation heroes ensures that their legacy is immortalised in the everyday lives of Zimbabweans.

This move goes beyond mere symbolism; it reflects a deeper cultural and historical alignment, reminding citizens that the freedoms they enjoy today are rooted in the sacrifices of the past.

By embedding these names in the country’s physical landscape, Government strengthens the connection between the liberation struggle and the present, ensuring that future generations remain aware of the heroes who fought for their freedom.

War leaves lasting scars, both physical and psychological. The establishment of specialised medical facilities to cater to the unique ailments of war veterans is an essential step towards fulfilling the nation’s responsibility to its heroes.

Many war veterans suffer from conditions that are directly linked to their experiences during the war, and providing them with comprehensive care is a long-overdue measure of support.

This resolution reflects an understanding that war veterans should not have to struggle to access healthcare after they have given so much. It is a way of showing gratitude and ensuring that their post-war lives are supported by the State they helped create.

The resolutions to create land tax exemptions, allocate land, and resuscitate investment portfolios for war veterans are focused on ensuring that freedom fighters are economically empowered.

Land, in particular, holds immense symbolic value for Zimbabwe’s freedom fighters who fought for land reclamation from colonial powers.

Offering war veterans land and the necessary economic tools to thrive in commerce is a tangible way of honouring their sacrifices.

Furthermore, by ensuring that war veterans are active participants in economic activities, Government promotes a sense of agency and dignity among these individuals. Restructuring the war veterans’ investment portfolio in a transparent manner ensures that they have access to sustainable financial opportunities, aligning with the national goal of economic empowerment.

The Zanu PF 21st Annual National People’s Conference resolutions regarding war veterans will ensure war veterans are not left behind as the nation progresses.

Zimbabwe’s liberation war veterans are the foundation upon which the nation was built.

The resolutions passed at the Zanu PF 21st National People’s Conference underscore the importance of honouring, protecting, and empowering these heroes.

By implementing these policies, Zimbabwe not only pays homage to its past, but also builds a stronger, more united future.

These resolutions are not just about addressing veterans’ needs; they are about ensuring that the spirit of the liberation struggle lives on in every aspect of Zimbabwean society.