The Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) has raised alarms over the persistent non-payment of fees for war veterans’ children, sparking concerns over the government’s adherence to its obligations.
In a statement, the association’s secretary general Edward Dube highlighted the dire situation faced by students, citing a lapse of fee payments for the past two semesters since 2023.
“The Fees have remained unpaid for the past two semesters or three terms since last year, 2023.2) The ZNLWVA emphasizes that this situation constitutes a failure on the part of the Government to fulfill its obligations as outlined in the statutory provisions of the Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Act (Chapter 17:12) of 2020.
“The current scenario is untenable, as university learners are being denied access to essential services such as registration and accommodation. The ZNLWVA has made both formal and informal appeals to address this matter, but as of yet, no resolution has been reached. Consequently, students find themselves in a state of dilemma and uncertainty, especially since some universities are scheduled to commence classes this week,” said Dube
Moreover, the association invoked Sustainable Development Goal 4, which advocates for inclusive and equitable quality education for all, emphasizing the need for authorities to align with these principles.
“The association urgently appeals to the relevant authorities to prioritize this issue and take swift action to ensure that learners are not subjected to unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles, ultimately impeding their educational progress. Furthermore, the ZNLWVA brings attention to Sustainable Development Goal 4, which calls for the provision of inclusive and equitable quality education while promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all,” he said
The ZNLWVA implored the concerned authorities to promptly address the issue, recognizing the imperative of affording equitable access to education for the children of war veterans.
“The association urges the authorities to uphold the principles enshrined in this goal and address the current challenges faced by the students. The ZNLWVA calls upon the concerned authorities to give immediate attention to this matter, recognizing the importance of providing equitable access to education for the children of war veterans. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that these students are not deprived of their right to education due to administrative delays,” said Dube
