Veterans Empowered Through Heifer Pass-On Scheme in Zimbabwe.
In a significant move to uplift the livelihoods of war veterans, the Zimbabwean government has launched the Heifer Pass-On Scheme for War Veterans. Fifty beneficiaries from Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South, and Midlands provinces received heifers at the 3,000-hectare Mswelangubo Cattle Ranch in Umguza District. The initiative, spearheaded by the Veterans Investment Corporation (VIC)—the commercial arm of the Ministry of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs—aims to provide sustainable economic opportunities for veterans.
Minister Monica Mavhunga, who presided over the event, emphasized the government’s commitment to improving the welfare of war veterans. “This program is a testament to our dedication to ensuring that those who fought for our nation’s freedom are not left behind in our development agenda,” she stated.
The Heifer Pass-On Scheme operates on a model where initial beneficiaries receive heifers and, upon the birth of calves, pass them on to other veterans. This approach ensures the program’s sustainability and broadens its impact across communities.
This initiative aligns with the broader Presidential Heifer Pass-On Scheme, which has been instrumental in empowering youths and vulnerable groups across Zimbabwe. In Masvingo Province, for instance, 28 youths recently benefited from the program, highlighting its expansive reach and positive impact on livelihoods .
The government’s commitment to veterans’ welfare extends beyond livestock programs. Recent reports indicate plans to provide over 1,000 rural-based veterans with solar-powered boreholes and housing, further enhancing their quality of life .
The Heifer Pass-On Scheme for War Veterans not only honors the sacrifices made by these individuals but also integrates them into Zimbabwe’s ongoing economic development efforts.
