Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans’ Association today chicken-heartedly announced their participation in the one million man March slated for Wednesday.
Last week the war veterans dismissed the march, which is meant to celebrate President Mugabe’s success as a leader of the country and African icon, describing it as a waste of resources at a time the majority of ordinary Zimbabweans were facing unending poverty.
Speaking to NewsDay, ZNLWVA spokesperson Douglas Mahiya accused the organisers of the march, slated for May 25, of failing to appreciate the real issues affecting the generality of Zimbabweans.
“There is no sincerity in the million-man march. There is no political consciousness. It will not revive industry or bring food on the table. They should, instead, find out from us the formula we used to bring independence. A million-man march, then what?” Mahiya asked rhetorically.
However, in a surprise U-turn the war veterans said they were going to participate in the march citing that they have received a proper invitation from the youth league, organisers of the event.
Addressing journalists in the capital, War Veterans secretary general Victor Matemadanda confirmed the war veterans participation.
“We are here to inform you that as ZNLWA we are going to be involved in the march in support of Cde RG Mugabe.
“We are calling upon all war veterans to come out and march in support of the President. We want all our war vets, their spouses, children and neighbours to attend the event,” said Matemadanda.
Matemadanda also dismissed claims that the match was a G40 march intended to demonstrate against the Midlands godfather, Vice President Mnangagwa.
“The march is not for any group and it is not in the Interest of any group but it is for the president. The president being our commander in-chief and patron as war veterans we are obliged to come and support as well as giving direction on how it (the march) is going to be done,” said Matemadanda.
He said that as soldiers do, the war veterans will raise their concerns after the march.
“War vets as soldiers we are being called on parade and in the military if there is a misunderstanding is done after completion of the task, so it the task first, explanation and complaining later,” said Matemadanda.
