Bulawayo, (New Ziana) -War veterans in the Matabeleland region on Tuesday received tractors under the national mechanization program aimed at improving their welfare.
The distribution is part of the War Veterans Mechanisation Program which President Emmerson Mnangagwa launched in September this year, through which 100 tractors will be distributed in batches across all 10 provinces of the country.
The initiative is the latest in a series of programs supporting veterans of the liberation struggle, acknowledging their sacrifice and seeking to improve their livelihoods.
Speaking at the handover ceremony held at the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) premises, Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association chairperson, Cephas Ncube, said the equipment would reduce manual labour, increase productivity, and enhance food security.
“Government has availed tractors to war veterans as part of efforts to empower them. Let’s fully utilize this equipment. These tractors are not for driving to the shops to buy beer and bread, but for increasing productivity on the land,” he said.
Ncube emphasized that the tractors, provided through an AFC Bank facility, are not free, adding that President Mnangagwa paid the deposit for the first batch, and veterans are expected to pay the balance.
“The tractors are not for free, so let’s be innovative to ensure that we can pay for them. During the off-season, we can hire them out to miners to transport ore. That way, we get extra income to repay,” he suggested.
He also warned those mismanaging and sabotaging such empowerment schemes, citing past programs such as the Presidential borehole and interest free loan schemes which were not properly managed.
“As war veterans, we don’t support that. Let’s learn to respect our leadership and fellow citizens,” he said.
In the latest distribution, Matabeleland North and South provinces received five tractors each, while Bulawayo received seven with tractors slated for Insiza, Gwanda, Beitbridge, and Plumtree.
In a speech read on his behalf, Matabeleland North Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Richard Moyo, commended President Mnangagwa for continuously empowering various community sectors.
“We thank President Mnangagwa for the thrust of the Second Republic to ensure that no one and no place is left behind. We want to assure him that these machines will be put to good and responsible use,” he said.
He also took the opportunity to implore veterans and public officers to lead by example and spread awareness about the dangers of drug and substance abuse during the festive season.
New Ziana
