Mnangagwa tells war veterans let us show the world that democracy has come of age in Zimbabwe

Comrades, it is against the background of the letter, spirit and principles of our country Constitution that we must dialogue today. We are all aware that in the recent past, our revolution and the aspirations we had as a people had been hijacked and headed for shipwreck. However, now we must look forward with great optimism. It is our responsibility to re-ignite the hope and dreams of our countrymen. We must not fail or betray the hopes of our comrades who sacrificed their lives during the armed revolution of our country.

We must desire to take every opportunity to re-inculcate the values of discipline, unity, peace, love and the zeal to develop among the younger generations. As we do so, let us be patient with them, aware that theirs is a generation that was hardened by the hardships we faced during the 18 years of economic sanctions. Let us encourage them to think big and work hard, for indeed tomorrow is brighter.

Fellow Comrades;

I am aware that there are various issues that were raised between your meeting with our former president and patron, Cde R. G. Mugabe on 7th April 2016. I am also aware that the bulk of the critical issues remain unattended. Let me assure you that my Government is committed to fulfilling its obligation to our veterans and ensuring that you enjoy a life of dignity with the appropriate provisions befitting your status as our great heroes.

The resolution that you have made today resonates with the brief submitted to me by the Department of War Veterans within the Ministry of Defence and the Department of War Veterans in the party. My Government has already made a decision to increase the allowances and pensions for all veterans and put in place the requisite safety nets to cushion you with regard to your daily needs such as health care, timely disbursement of school fees for your children among other requirements.

We take note of the requests which relate to empowerment programmes in the various sectors of the economy such as mining, agriculture, tourism and manufacturing. In this regard, allow me to commend the war veterans who have continued to excel in the various sectors of the economy such as agriculture, mining and business in general. We applaud and congratulate you for being living examples of what can be achieved through hard work and determination.

I urge all of us to take advantage of Government programmes such as Command Agriculture, small-scale mining facilities, SME loans, among others, to empower ourselves and grow our businesses. My Government will continue to support you fellow comrades in all your empowerment endeavours, more so as the economy grows and resources become more available.

Fellow Comrades;

Since my inauguration, my Government has gone on an aggressive drive to resuscitate the economy through various comprehensive multi-pronged strategies. To this end, reform measures have been put in place to increase the viability and competitiveness of businesses across all sectors.

In addition, my administration recognised the need to attract both domestic and foreign investments as a means to leapfrog our economy to catch up with other industrialised economies in Africa and the developed world. We have further set ourselves on a course to have Zimbabwe become a middle-income country with a per capita income of USD3 500 by 2030, with decent jobs, broad-based empowerment, increased investments, free from poverty and corruption.

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