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Johnsias Mutonhori

Cde Phinious Makombe from Midlands Province has been elected as the new National Chairman of the Children of Zimbabwe Liberation War Veterans Association (CZLWVA).

The election took place this Saturday in Victoria Falls. Makombe takes over from Cde Kholwani Mbambo, who had been serving as Acting Chairman since 2022.

The last congress was held in 2020, during which Cde Raymond Chiwara was elected chairman. He was removed two years later following allegations of corruption.

Cde Makombe garnered 78 votes, narrowly defeating Cde Lenin Samhembere from Mashonaland West Province, who received 68 votes. Another candidate, Tawanda Chenana from Mashonaland East Province, was disqualified from the chairman race after failing to provide proof that he is the son of a war veteran.

Other candidates elected include Cde Darlington Ndlovu as Vice Chairman, Cde Mbuso Mpofu as Secretary General, Cde Prince Mfudza as Secretary for Commissariat, Cde Flint Matenda as Secretary for Security, and Cde Emmanuel Musabaikana as Secretary for Transport and Welfare.

Cde Makombe commented that the election went well and that he is ready to lead the Children of War Veterans.

“Indeed, it was a tight contest, but I am happy the election was held freely and fairly, and that everyone was satisfied with the results. It’s time to chart a new era, addressing the plights of the Children of Liberation War Veterans and supporting the vision of our nation,” he said.

CZLWVA is an offshoot of the Liberation War Veterans, a wing of the revolutionary party, ZANU-PF.

The Children of Liberation War Veterans are hopeful that the new leadership will push for their welfare, including access to education through school fee assistance and economic empowerment initiatives such as access to land and business opportunities.

“I am happy with the outcome of the election, which was decided by all provinces. I hope that our concerns, such as access to land, mines, and other development projects, will be addressed,” commented Chiedza Maraire, one of the voters from Mashonaland West.