Joseph Madzimure-Zimpapers Politics Hub
THE Veterans Investment Holding Company has paid a US$100 000 dividend to the Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Fund, marking progress in efforts to build a sustainable revenue base for the welfare of former freedom fighters and their dependants.
The dividend is expected to strengthen the Fund’s capacity to meet its statutory obligations, including providing healthcare, educational assistance and funeral benefits to veterans and their families.
Established by Government in 2021, VIHC is a State-owned investment vehicle mandated to generate sustainable returns through investments in key economic sectors, with proceeds supporting the welfare and economic empowerment of veterans of the liberation struggle.
Speaking at the handover ceremony in Harare yesterday, VIHC board chairman Cde John Mafararikwa said the company was committed to growing the Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Fund through strategic investments.
“We remain grateful for the confidence and trust bestowed on us by the Government,” he said.
Veterans Fund vice-board chairperson Cde Lifnety Moyo said the dividend reflected progress towards building a sustainable investment institution for the veterans’ community.
“To the veterans’ community, this dividend is an important milestone. The returns accrued to the Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Fund will strengthen the ministry’s capacity to meet statutory obligations, particularly healthcare, education assistance and funeral benefits,” she said.
Cde Moyo challenged the VIHC board and management to maintain the momentum by pursuing viable investment opportunities and growing shareholder value for the benefit of veterans.
She also commended President Mnangagwa for his leadership and commitment to the welfare and economic empowerment of former freedom fighters.
“His guidance has ensured that VIHC is properly structured and positioned to generate sustainable returns,” Cde Moyo said.
Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs Minister Monica Mavhunga, who witnessed the handover, said the dividend was more than a financial transaction, as it demonstrated that investments made in the name of veterans were beginning to generate returns for their benefit.
“This is not just a financial transaction; it is a powerful statement of purpose.
“It shows that investments made in the name of our veterans are now bearing fruit, and that fruit is returning to where it belongs — to the men and women who sacrificed so much for the liberation and sovereignty of this nation,” she said.
Minister Mavhunga said war veterans were the foundation of the country’s freedom and deserved dignity, security and care.
She said the dividend would go towards strengthening welfare support, including medical assistance and access to healthcare for war veterans and their spouses, as well as school fees and educational assistance for their children.
Part of the money will also be dedicated to funeral assistance and dignified burials for deceased war veterans.
“I want to assure the veterans, the board and the nation that every dollar of this interim dividend will be accounted for”.
Minister Mavhunga said her ministry would ensure transparent management of the funds and publish reports detailing how the money was being used.
“Our veterans deserve nothing less,” she said.
Minister Mavhunga commended VIHC for demonstrating that a veterans-owned company could be commercially viable while remaining socially responsible.
“Empowerment is not about handouts, but about building sustainable institutions that can take care of their own,” she said.
The Minister assured war veterans that Government remained committed to improving their welfare, describing the dividend as the beginning of a stronger partnership between the Ministry, VIHC and the Veterans Fund.
Source: War vets investment firm pays US$100 000 dividend – herald
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