Why Should He Leave?” – Togarepi Brushes Off Discontent Over Mnangagwa – Eduzim News

By A Correspondent…

Despite growing frustration over stalled reforms and unmet promises, Zimbabwe Liberation War Collaborators Association (ZILWACO) national chairman Pupurai Togarepi is doubling down on his support for President Emmerson Mnangagwa, urging that he remain in power. Speaking at an inter-district meeting in Rusape, Togarepi painted an optimistic picture of government plans for war collaborators while dismissing calls for leadership change.

Togarepi announced that a comprehensive housing scheme for war collaborators is in development as part of a broader government empowerment strategy, yet many remain sceptical about the pace and sincerity of delivery. “At one point, representatives from the Government had not agreed on a way forward. They were instructed to reconcile their differences and I can assure you that they have reached an agreement. The document is now with the President, ready for gazetting,” he claimed, without providing a clear timeline.

He further expressed confidence in Mnangagwa’s leadership, stating, “If he is doing good for us, why should he leave?” This staunch endorsement comes amid growing criticism of the President’s extended rule and questions about the country’s stalled progress.

Highlighting the government’s efforts, Togarepi announced plans to launch housing stands for war collaborators, noting that “the President has initiated this process, demonstrating his appreciation for war collaborators even before the gazetting of other benefits.” He revealed a US$500,000 allocation for related projects, although critics argue this amount is insufficient given the number of beneficiaries and the scope of needs.

Regarding land ownership, Togarepi said the Ministry of Lands would provide title deeds to war collaborators who received farms during the Land Reform Programme, emphasizing that “they will only pay a token amount for land ownership, reflecting their struggle for land rights.” However, concerns remain over the slow pace of land formalization and persistent bureaucratic obstacles.

He portrayed war collaborators as “authentic ZANU PF members,” claiming, “You do not need to campaign to these individuals.” Such statements ignore growing fractures within the party and the broader public’s demand for accountability.

Dr Jenfan Muswere, ZANU PF Central Committee member and Minister of Information, acknowledged the long delay in addressing war collaborators’ grievances but attempted to reassure them. “We attained independence in 1980, but it took a considerable amount of time for the Government to address many of your grievances,” he said. “However, under the New Dispensation, we crafted the Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Act… Although the journey has been long, we are nearing its end.”

Muswere praised the government’s infrastructural projects and food relief efforts, claiming, “Fortunately, no one succumbed to hunger.” Yet, many citizens continue to face food insecurity and economic hardships.

He also stressed Mnangagwa’s commitment: “Our President possesses a fatherly heart and is a listening President… He will never abandon you.” Such paternalistic rhetoric does little to conceal the administration’s failure to deliver timely benefits and meaningful empowerment.

Advocate Misheck Mugadza echoed the sentiment, saying Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 “encapsulates the aspirations of war collaborators,” urging them to “actively participate in the economy.” But critics argue that this vision remains distant and vague for many struggling Zimbabweans.

Despite the optimistic assurances, the meeting exposed deep cracks in promises made to war collaborators and the public. Togarepi’s call to keep Mnangagwa in power ignores growing frustrations with prolonged delays, unfulfilled commitments, and an administration increasingly seen as out of touch with the needs of its people.

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