Zimbabwe War Veterans Question Matemadanda’s Credentials Prominent Zimbabwean war veterans have raised concerns over the legitimacy of Chris Mutsvangwa’s assumption of the leadership of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA). Veterans at a press conference on Wednesday asserted that Mutsvangwa, who is also a former minister of war veterans, does not meet the association’s constitutional requirements to hold the post. According to the ZNLWVA constitution, a war veteran must have actively participated in the liberation struggle between 1964 and 1980. However, several war veterans present at the press conference claimed that Mutsvangwa was not actively involved in combat operations. “Mutsvangwa was a student leader in Tanzania during the liberation struggle, and did not participate in the actual fighting,” said Cephas Msipa, a war veteran and former cabinet minister. The veterans also dismissed Mutsvangwa’s claims of being nominated by the ZNLWVA Provincial Chairpersons Council, stating that the council had no authority to make such an appointment. “The provincial chairpersons have no mandate to appoint the chairman. That is the responsibility of the party, ZANU-PF,” said Douglas Mahiya, another war veteran. The veterans emphasized their commitment to the party, but expressed concern that Mutsvangwa’s appointment was politically motivated and could undermine the integrity of the war veterans association. They vowed to pursue legal and constitutional means to challenge Mutsvangwa’s leadership and protect the interests of genuine war veterans. The ZNLWVA has been a vocal supporter of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, and the dispute over its leadership is seen as a reflection of the ongoing political divisions within the ruling party.Dispute over War Veteran Credentials Rocks Zimbabwe’s ZNLWVADispute over War Veteran Credentials Rocks Zimbabwe’s ZNLWVA Ahead of a pivotal congress, a faction within the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) has challenged the war veteran credentials of aspiring president Victor Matemadanda. This dispute reveals deep divisions within the organization and has broader implications for Zimbabwe’s political future. Matemadanda, seen as an ally of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, is facing competition from three other candidates backed by various interest groups within the war veterans sector. Andreas Ethan Matibela, a vocal challenger, has publicly questioned Matemadanda’s war credentials, alleging manipulation in previous leadership elections. Matibela has called for an investigation into Matemadanda’s background to ensure the integrity of the association, while dismissing Matemadanda’s claims of legitimacy under former President Robert Mugabe’s administration. In response, Matemadanda has denounced these accusations as false and reiterated his status as a vetted war veteran. He has dismissed the criticism as political maneuvering aimed at derailing his presidential ambitions. The dispute underscores the internal rifts within the ZNLWVA, as factions vie for leadership positions. These divisions have wider implications for Zimbabwe’s future leadership and stability, especially as President Mnangagwa’s presidency approaches its end in 2028.Zimbabwe’s war veterans on Wednesday expressed doubts about Victor Matemadanda’s military credentials, accusing him of lying about his liberation war history. The war veterans said Matemadanda was not a member of the Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army (ZANLA), the military wing of the ruling ZANU-PF party, during the liberation war. They also accused him of being a sell-out who had betrayed the ideals of the revolution. Matemadanda has denied the allegations, saying he was a member of ZANLA and fought in the liberation war. He said the war veterans were trying to discredit him because he was exposing corruption within ZANU-PF. The war veterans’ accusations against Matemadanda come amid growing divisions within ZANU-PF. The party has been split into two factions, one led by President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the other by former vice president Joice Mujuru. Matemadanda is a member of the Mnangagwa faction. The war veterans are largely aligned with the Mujuru faction.