Harare – The Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) has officially resurrected from years of legal turmoil, with its leadership and government committing to a new era focused on the economic welfare and unity of the country’s liberation heroes.

The historic resuscitation was formalised at the Association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Harare on 29 August 2026, marking its first such gathering since the current national executive was elected in 2024.

Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Ziyambi Ziyambi, the guest of honour, officially welcomed the resuscitation, describing it as a “momentous occasion” and the “institutional rebirth” of the organisation.

In a speech read on his behalf, Minister Ziyambi underscored that the welfare of war veterans is not a charitable handout but a sacred constitutional right enshrined in Section 23 of the Constitution, which places a binding obligation on the State to provide structural support to the liberators .

“True remembrance, if it is to carry any moral weight, must be accompanied by tangible, deliberate, and sustained efforts to uplift the daily lives of those who took up arms for our freedom,” Minister Ziyambi stated.

He challenged the newly verified leadership to transcend historical grievances and transform into a vehicle for economic modernisation, urging partnerships in agriculture, mining, SMEs, and housing to secure the socio-economic standing of veterans.

The AGM comes after a turbulent period marked by factional disputes and legal battles. National Chairman Moffat Elias Marashwa confirmed that the leadership has successfully navigated the courts, winning cases in both the High Court and Supreme Court, with only one matter still pending.

“We did not hold our AGM in 2025 due to legal battles. We were in and out of the courts,” Marashwa said, thanking the legal team for their work. Despite the challenges, he affirmed, “there is nothing interdicting or stopping us from doing our usual business as an Association” .

Both Minister Ziyambi and Chairman Marashwa issued a powerful call for unity. The Minister drew a definitive line against institutional fragmentation and factionalism, stating that the Association belongs entirely to the veterans and must be governed by institutional rules.

Echoing this sentiment, Marashwa urged members to “shun all forms of mechanisms which are divisive in nature” and remain committed to the cause of welfare.

A major shift in the Association’s operational strategy was announced regarding economic projects. Citing the advancing age of the veterans, Marashwa revealed a paradigm shift from cooperative-based projects to family-based initiatives.

“This stance is taken having in mind our age as veterans of the chimurenga war,” he explained, ensuring that economic benefits directly support their households and dependants.

The leadership also highlighted ongoing advocacy for improved welfare. Engagements have been held with government departments to increase the current monthly pension, which Marashwa described as “very paltry,” and to secure medical aid for members.

Additionally, the association has engaged embassies of friendly nations to mobilise resources for office accommodation and implements for mining and agriculture.

In his concluding remarks, Minister Ziyambi praised Marashwa and his committee for their vision and legal diligence, entrusting them with the “profound and historic responsibility” of building a law-abiding, accountable, and inclusive Association that leaves an enduring legacy for future generations.