Ex-Zipra commander demands recognition for war vets

Source: Ex-Zipra commander demands recognition for war vets – The Southern Eye

Former Zipra commander, Andrew Ndlovu, who served as a regional zone commander in Northern Front Two (NF2) during the liberation war

A former Zipra commander says every ex-combatant who participated in the war of liberation must be declared a war hero to avoid undermining the efforts of genuine fighters and distorting the country’s true history.

Andrew Ndlovu, who served as a regional zone commander in Northern Front Two (NF2) during the liberation war, said what must defer are the medals to be awarded to the ex-combatants.

Ndlovu complained  about the politicisation of the National Heroes Acre, with Zanu PF having the sole mandate of determining the status of departed war veterans, undermining the sacrifices of genuine fighters.

“There is a worrying issue happening at Heroes Acres, be it in Matabeleland or Mashonaland, among Zipra and Zanla forces,” Ndlovu said in an interview.

“In my opinion, everyone who joined the liberation struggle to fight for Zimbabwe should be a national hero.

“Perhaps we can only differ in terms of liberation struggle service medals.

“This would make people respect each other.”

He accused some politicians of trimming the biographies of fallen heroes during burials, leaving behind what he described as “non-revolutionary messages” that fail to capture the true history of Zimbabwe.