A government empowerment scheme for children of war veterans has sparked a fight for the US$650 000 seed capital that was disbursed to the Children of Zimbabwe Liberation War Veterans Association (CZLWVA) at the launch.
The empowerment fund was launched at the Zanu PF Winery Convention Centre in the Midlands province early this month by special presidential investment advisor, Paul Tungwarara.
The event was attended by ministers Monica Mavhunga (War Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs), Tino Machakaire (Youth Empowerment), Tatenda Mavetera (ICT, Postal and Courier Services) and other senior Zanu PF officials.
According to State media reports, Mavetera is the national chairperson of the CZLWVA.
Another group calling itself the Children of Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (CZNLWVA) last week wrote to Mavhunga demanding the US$650 000 seed capital after dismissing the rival camp as bogus.
In the letter dated June 6, 2025, the CZNLWVA claimed that it was formed in 2010 and registered with various government agencies in March 2015.
The CZNLWVA accused the rival camp of “hijacking” its logo in 2023 by removing the letter N from the abbreviation.
“It is prudent Hon Minister to note that most of members in CZLWVA are not children of war veterans and it was formed to neutralise our existence and to over shadow the real grievances and problems of children of war veterans,” Innocent Mhlanga, who identified himself as the CZNLWVA founder and national chairperson wrote.
- NoViolet Bulawayo’s new novel is an instant Zimbabwean classic
- COP27: Zimbabwe’s opportunity to shine
- Jah Prayzah, Zanu PF rekindles ‘lost love’
- Female politicians complain over sexual harassment
Keep Reading
“It is of paramount importance to note that the association is very happy and we are in jubilation over the money, which was disbursed to us as children of war veterans by His Excellency the President of Zimbabwe Cde ED Mnangagwa to empower us.
“In this regard we request you, Hon Minister, to disburse these funds to the CZNLWVA as it was given under our emblem as the legitimate association for all children of war veterans.”
The letter is also copied to the Office of the President and Cabinet, Vice-Presidents Kmbo Mohadi and Constantino Chiwenga.
Mavetera and Mavhunga could not be reached to comment about Mhlanga’s allegations.
However, Mhlanga said the matter was urgent, arguing that the launch of the empowerment fund was a politicised event.
“A closer analysis at the Gweru event Hon Minister, most of the people who attended the event were different party affiliates not children of war veterans,” Mhlanga wrote.
“Matters of concern were side-lined and issues of politicking were at the epicentre of everything and took precedence...”
Mhlanga pledged undying support for President Emmerson Mnangagwa in his letter of complaint.
“Politically, Honourable Minister, personally as the current national chairman I was expelled from our revolutionary party Zanu PF during the G40 era for standing firm with Veterans of the Liberation Struggle and then Vice President of Republic of Zimbabwe Cde ED Mnangagwa,” he wrote.
“Today Hon Minister we stand firm with our President and we emulate the good works being done by the second republic.
“Lastly it is imperative to notify you Hon Minister that Children of Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association recognises the apex council of Children of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle... and we have appended our signature as CZNLWVA and we also recognise the REDREV youth as our investment vehicle as it was born from this association.”
Last week, another association, the Children of Zimbabwe War Veterans Association (COZWA) accused Zanu PF of sponsoring the grouping, which received the US$650 000 capital
COZWA leader Munyaradzi Shoko said his association was formed in 2008.
Shoko alleged that Zanu PF is sponsoring the COZLWVA to undermine and destabilise his organisation.
