Zimbabwe People’s Revolutionary Army (Zipra) non-combatants are demanding answers from the government after they went for a vetting exercise in April this year to ensure they receive monthly pay-outs for their contribution during the armed struggle.
The registration exercise was launched by President Emmerson Mnangagwa last year.
At least 205 753 applicants were registered to be considered for vetting.
It was established that there is frustration and anger among non-combatants who went for the vetting exercise because of the silence of the Defence and War Veterans ministry on the results of the exercise.
Zipra War Veterans Association secretary Petros Sibanda confirmed their disappointment in an interview with Sunday Southern Eye last week.
“The vetted cadres have become impatient as the government has delayed in making an announcement as to when they can expect the results and be given compensation for the sacrifices they made during the liberation struggle," Sibanda said.
"Even those that were left behind are demanding answers as to when they will be given a chance to be vetted.
“They directed us to continue demanding answers, something that we have done several times."
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Sibanda indicated that about 160 000 Zipra cadres were vetted during the April exercise.
Zipra was Zapu’s armed wing during the armed struggle.
Sibanda said the Defence and War Veterans ministry has been telling them to be patient.
Efforts to get a comment from the chief director of War Veterans Affairs Major-General (Retired) Everisto Dzihwema were fruitless as his phone went unanswered.
Defence and War Veterans minister Oppah Muchinguri was also not answering calls.
War collaborators are not receiving any monthly pay-outs like war veterans, and neither did they receive the ZW$50 000 that was given to the ex-combatants in 1997.
Government has been vetting war collaborators to ensure their eligibility for monthly pensions and other related benefits for their role during the liberation war.
In 1997, angry war veterans pressured the late President Robert Mugabe to pay them $50 000 gratuities and other benefits.
War veterans have been a vital cog in Zanu PF during elections, spearheading the party’s campaigns.
