THE exhumation and dignified reburial of former freedom fighters buried in mass and unmarked graves in and outside the country has received a major boost after Cabinet approved a Bill that will make the process a constitutional matter, including the repatriation of remains. Exhumations and burials were mainly being carried out by voluntary organisations of former freedom fighters and spirit mediums such as the Fallen Heroes Trust of Zimbabwe (FHTZ), with minimal Government involvement. Calls have been growing louder for the Government to intervene and fund the process, which has taken over 46 years to bring to finality.
This Wednesday, Cabinet approved the Principles of the Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Amendment Bill, which were presented by the Minister of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs, Senator Monica Mavhunga. The Bill aims to amend the existing law to enhance the welfare of beneficiaries, including the departed liberation fighters. In a Post-Cabinet briefing, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere, said the amendments will broaden access to benefits for both the living former freedom fighters and the fallen liberation fighters.
“The amendment will also provide a clear framework for the exhumation, repatriation and dignified reburial of veterans who perished during the liberation struggle,” Dr Muswere said. “Furthermore, the amendments will broaden access to benefits and recognition for eligible individuals and their dependants.” He said the objective of amending the Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Act [Chapter 17:12] is to enhance the welfare of beneficiaries, modernise the legislative framework and align the Act with the Constitution. “Under the proposed amendment, Botswana will be recognised among the Liberation Struggle transit camps through the revision of the definition of ‘non-combatant cadre,” he said.
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Cabinet also considered and approved the Principles of the War Victims Compensation Bill, which seeks to improve the welfare of beneficiaries by establishing a dedicated War Victims Compensation Board to manage the affairs of war victims. Dr Muswere said the Principles of the National Heroes Amendment Bill were also adopted. The amendments seek to enhance the welfare of beneficiaries under the Act and refine the categories of heroes and heroines to more accurately reflect their diverse contributions to the nation. The National Heroes Act [Chapter 11:16] is the primary legislation for recognising individuals as National Heroes for their exceptional contribution to the liberation of Zimbabwe.
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