As Zimbabwe commemorates its 44th Independence Day, the nation is caught in a reflective mood, particularly its war veterans, who find themselves disillusioned by unfulfilled governmental promises. Central to their discontent are the unrealized plans to construct ten state-of-the-art memorial hospitals, promised as a tribute to those who fought in the country’s liberation struggle. This discontent reflects a broader narrative of a promised prosperity that remains elusive for many who sacrificed during the war.
In 2018, the Zimbabwean government announced the establishment of a special-purpose vehicle intended to drive the ambitious project of building these hospitals. This announcement followed a 2015 declaration that funding was secured through a $250 million credit from the Exim Bank of India. Despite these assurances, progress has been non-existent, and the commitment appears to have stagnated at the level of mere rhetoric.
The Zimbabwe Liberation Memorial Hospitals (Private) Limited, representing the interests of the ex-combatants, voiced their disappointment in a poignant statement during the Independence Day celebrations. Fredrick Ngombe, chief executive of Hospital, Industrial and Scientific Investments, criticized the lack of political will to address the needs of war veterans. He remarked on the stark contrast between the valor displayed during Zimbabwe’s liberation and the current state of veteran affairs, describing it as a “web of endless planning, bureaucratic gymnastics, and projects plagued by perpetual false starts.”
This narrative of neglect and unfulfilled promises paints a grim picture nearly half a century after independence. Ngombe’s call to action, urging Zimbabweans to advocate for the upholding of values and sacrifices made by both fallen and surviving liberation fighters, underscores a deep-seated feeling of betrayal. He stresses that the welfare of these veterans should not just be a footnote in history but a priority realized within their lifetimes.
Adding to the chorus of discontent, Ethan Mathibela, chairperson of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association, shared his perspective with NewsDay, highlighting a pattern of neglect that has persisted through multiple administrations. Mathibela detailed how governmental promises have been repeatedly made and then abruptly withdrawn, leaving veterans to grapple with poverty and neglect. He estimates that between 80% and 90% of war veterans are living in dire conditions, a stark contrast to the country’s rich natural resources.
The plight of these veterans is compounded by their significant role in the country’s history, making their current struggles particularly poignant. These are individuals who played crucial roles in the armed struggle that led to Zimbabwe’s independence in 1980. Their expectation for tangible recognition of their sacrifices, particularly through specialized medical care facilities, speaks to a broader hope for respect and acknowledgment from the nation they helped to forge.
Efforts to reach Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs Minister Monica Mavhunga for comments were unsuccessful, as she did not respond to calls. This lack of communication is indicative of a larger issue of accessibility and responsiveness concerning veterans’ welfare.
As Zimbabwe reflects on its 44th year of independence, the nation finds itself at a crossroads, needing to reconcile its celebrated past with the less-than-satisfactory treatment of those who fought for its freedom. The story of its war veterans and their treatment is a litmus test for the government’s commitment to its citizens who have made significant sacrifices. It also raises broader questions about governance and accountability in post-colonial Africa, where the rhetoric of liberation often meets the hard realities of political and economic challenges.
The ongoing dissatisfaction among Zimbabwe’s war veterans reflects not only unmet healthcare needs but also a deeper sense of betrayal and a desperate cry for the dignity they were promised. As Zimbabwe moves forward, the resolution of these issues will be critical in shaping the nation’s identity and its future direction, ensuring that the sacrifices of its veterans are honored not just in words, but in concrete actions.
Source: Newsday
