2023 Budget: Finance Minister Allocates ZWL$ 4.6 billion Toward War Veterans' Benefits

Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube last Thursday said he was allocating ZWL$ 4.6 billion toward war veterans’ monetary and non-monetary benefits.

Ncube who was presenting the 2023 national Budget said the former freedom fighters’ welfare remains a priority. He said:

… the welfare of the veterans of the liberation war remains a priority, with the 2023 Budget setting aside ZWL$4.6 billion towards their monetary and non-monetary benefits, as well as capitalisation of their investments in mining, tourism and farms.

War veterans have over the years been demanding gratuities for their role in the achievement of independence.

In 1997, the government paid out unbudgeted lump sums of nearly ZW$50 000 (US$4 300 at the time) to war veterans following months of protests. This led to the collapse of the local currency which has never recovered.

In May 2022, the Zimbabwe government announced plans to pay one-off rewards and monthly pensions to a new batch of 160 000 war veterans, war collaborators and ex-political prisoners who missed out during the first round of compensation in 1997.

Critics said the timing of the announcement might be wrong considering that the country’s economy is heading south and also comes just months ahead of general elections next year, which will raise vote-buying concerns in some quarters.

Ncube also said the 2023 National Budget has prioritised the improvements of uniformed forces’ remuneration both monetary and non-monetary.

Ncube said the increase in the crime rate, ranging from armed robberies to rape and murder, among others, is a cause for concern, requiring adequate capitalisation of the uniformed forces.

Government critics have often said the security sector is prioritised ahead of other critical sectors as it is critical for ZANU PF’s retention of power.

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