Jabulani Sibanda Warns Against Disunity Among War Veterans in Zimbabwe

ZANU PF’s Bulawayo chairperson and former leader of the war veterans, Jabulani Sibanda, has voiced concerns about the growing divisions in Zimbabwe, particularly among the war veterans, and the potential risks this fragmentation poses to the country’s sovereignty.

Sibanda believes such disunity could create opportunities for external forces, particularly Western powers, to exert influence and undermine Zimbabwe’s independence.

At the launch of the Presidential War Veterans Fund, Sibanda warned that any division among the nation’s people would be exploited by foreign powers, potentially leading to re-colonization. “Now is the time to unite,” Sibanda stressed. “If we are fragmented, others could take advantage of our resources and position.”

He further commented on the political landscape, referring to the growing discontent within the war veterans’ community. Some leaders within the veterans’ ranks are urging their colleagues to reject offers of financial and material incentives, which they see as attempts to gain support for extending President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s rule.

Sibanda also appealed to Cephas Ncube, leader of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association, to focus on fostering unity among veterans, calling for peace and cooperation within their ranks.

The concerns come as President Mnangagwa recently distributed funds and gifts to war veterans, including US$200 and hampers, during the launch of the new veterans’ fund in Bulawayo.