Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association
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| Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association | |
| Founded | 1980 |
|---|---|
| Members | ~40000 |
| Country | Zimbabwe |
| Head union | Jabulani Sibanda |
| Affiliation | ZANU-PF |
| Key people | Joseph Chinotimba, vice chairman Chenjerai Hunzvi, former chairman |
| Office location | Harare, Zimbabwe |
| Zimbabwe |
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Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) is an organization made up of veterans of the 1970s bush war against the government of Ian Smith. In 2005, the government looked into ways to make members of the organization part of the army of Zimbabwe.[1]
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[edit] Establishment
The ZNLWVA was formed after independence in 1980. It was mainly formed to look into the needs of the demobilized combatants of the bush war, mostly members of ZANLA and ZIPRA. All veterans became members by default.
[edit] The late 90s
ZNLWVA was a non-entity in the politics of Zimbabwe for more than fifteen years after it was founded. That all came to an end with Chenjerai Hunzvi became its chairman in 1997. The organization successfully pressed the government and all its members were awarded gratuities of Z$50 000 (equivalent to US$4000).
At the turn of the century, members of ZNLWVA, notably Joseph Chinotimba led the invasions of white owned commercial farms with tacit approval from the government of Robert Mugabe, which became known as the Third Chimurenga.
[edit] ZANU-PF
ZNLWVA has a close alliance with ZANU-PF, the ruling party, and by extension the government led by Robert Mugabe. In all elections since 2000, the members of the ZNLWVA, commonly known as 'war vets' have spearheaded election campaigns for ZANU-PF.[2]
[edit] General Elections 2008
There were reports that ZNLWVA was on the verge of a split during the run-up to the March 2008 general elections.[3]
