By Zachary Gava
Harare, (New Ziana ) – The Zimbabwe government is commitment to empowering liberation war veterans through secure land ownership and expanded economic empowerment programs, with title deeds as a crucial foundation for lasting prosperity and national sovereignty, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said.
He said this at the Fourth National Assembly of the War Veterans, Ex-Political Prisoners, Detainees and Restrictees League at the ZANU PF headquarters in Harare on Wednesday, which was held under the theme “Empowering War Veterans; Securing Land Title for Lasting Legacy and Prosperity”.
President Mnangagwa, who is also ZANU PF First Secretary, said the empowerment of war veterans remains central to the development agenda of the country.
He said the liberation struggle and land ownership were inseparable, making it imperative for veterans to benefit from policies that guarantee security of tenure and economic participation.
“Land is the birth-right of our people, and the sacred inheritance for which many fought and sacrificed. By securing land title for our veterans, and the rest of our communities, we are cementing the foundation of our sovereignty,” he said.
The ongoing issuance of title deeds would not only honour the sacrifices made during the liberation struggle, he said, but also unlock opportunities for investment, productivity and wealth creation among beneficiaries.
President Mnangagwa challenged veterans to play an active role in modernisation and industrialisation drive, saying they remained an important pillar in safeguarding the country’s independence while contributing to socio-economic transformation.
“As war veterans, we all have a role to play in the ongoing national development agenda,” he said, adding that the government would continue listening to, and supporting former combatants.
He announced a package of programs aimed at improving the welfare and economic standing of war veterans and their families, including expanding the War Veterans Family Wealth Trust Fund, supporting productive land use, providing specialised health facilities, vocational training opportunities, housing schemes, affordable financing and integration of veteran-led enterprises into national value chains.
The initiatives, he said, are designed to ensure that veterans remain active participants in the country’s economic development while preserving the dignity earned through their contribution to the liberation struggle.
President Mnangagwa also highlighted progress made in veteran welfare programs, noting that the War Veterans Pension Scheme continues to receive support while housing projects are being rolled out across the country, adding efforts to preserve liberation heritage through exhumations and reburials of fallen fighters were also ongoing.
Beyond economic empowerment, President Mnangagwa urged war veterans to remain custodians of national unity and the values that guided Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle.
He called on members of the League to reject divisions and strengthen grassroots mobilisation, describing unity, peace and development as essential pillars for national progress.
“The strength and popularity of our revolutionary mass Party, ZANU PF, lies in unity, mobilisation and keeping our communities galvanised. Let us reject all tendencies that divide the Party,” he said.
President Mnangagwa further challenged war veterans to pass on the values of patriotism, hard work and loyalty to younger generations, saying inter-generational solidarity was vital for safeguarding the country’s future and preserving the gains of independence.
President Mnangagwa called on delegates to formulate practical recommendations that advance community empowerment, economic growth and improved living standards for all Zimbabweans.
The Fourth National Assembly came as Zimbabwe continues implementing reforms aimed at broadening economic participation, enhancing agricultural productivity and empowering communities through secure land tenure. For many veterans, land remains one of the most enduring symbols of the liberation struggle, making the ongoing title deeds program, a significant milestone in consolidating the gains of independence.
New Ziana
