SYDNEY MUBAIWA
GWERU- Phinious Makombe from the 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.
He takes over from Kholwani Mbambo, who had been serving as acting chairman since 2022.
The last congress was held in 2020, during which Raymond Chiwara was elected chairman.
He was removed two years later on allegations of corruption.
Makombe garnered 78 votes, narrowly defeating Lenin Samhembere from Mash West Province, who received 68 votes.
Another candidate, Tawanda Chenana from Mash East Province, was disqualified from the chairmanship race after failing to provide proof that he is the son of a war veteran.
Other candidates were Darlington Ndlovu elected as vice Chairman, Mbuso Mpofu as Secretary General, Prince Mfudza as secretary for commissariat, Flint Matenda as Secretary for Security and Emmanuel Musabaikana as secretary for transport and welfare.
Makombe said the election went well and that he is ready to lead the association.
“Indeed it was a tight contest but I am happy the election was free and fair, and that everyone was satisfied with the outcome.
“It’s time to chart a new era, for the plights of Children of the liberation War Veterans and support the vision of our Nation,” he said.
CZLWVA is an offspring of Liberation War Veterans, a wing of the revolution 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 fees 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,” she commented,” Chiedza Maraire one of the voters said.
