War veterans in Zimbabwe are raising concerns over delays in payment of their children’s fees, particularly at tertiary institutions. This delay is significantly impacting the students, especially during examination periods.
Buster Magwizi, spokesperson for the Zimbabwe People’s Revolutionary Army (Zipra) Veterans Association, stated that some tertiary institutions have barred war veterans’ children due to these delays. “The war veterans’ children are being accepted in government tertiary institutions, but privately-owned institutions like Solusi University have barred them due to delays in the payment of fees by the government,” he said.
Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs Minister Monica Mavhunga addressed Parliament recently, noting that the liberation board is responsible for handling funds for war veterans. She mentioned that companies have been established to support the veterans. “The board is there, and we have two companies in place: Power Zimbabwe and Veterans Investment Corporation. These companies are in place to help the war veterans,” Mavhunga said.
Magwizi acknowledged that these companies were launched in 2021 by President Emmerson Mnangagwa. However, he urged the government to avoid making empty promises. “The government should desist from making empty promises and the issue of lip service so that the livelihoods and welfare of the war veterans are taken care of,” Magwizi emphasized.
One student from the National University of Science and Technology (NUST), who benefits from the war veterans’ school fees fund, highlighted the complications caused by the delay. “It is a long process. I am required to go to the ministry’s offices to acquire a letter proving that the government paid my fees, yet they have not paid. I am then required to take the letter to the administration at NUST to register for examinations,” the student explained.
Mavhunga assured that the companies supporting the war veterans are operational and that the board has performance contracts. “The companies are already working, and the board has been given performance contracts to continue working,” she reiterated.
The delay in fee payment continues to be a critical issue, affecting the education and well-being of war veterans’ children. The government’s promises and established companies need to translate into tangible support to resolve these issues promptly.
The Zimbabwean government must address the delays in payment of school fees for war veterans’ children. Immediate action is necessary to ensure that students can focus on their education without undue stress.
Source: Newsday
