Zimbabwe’s War Veterans and the Ruling Party: Continuities in Political Dynamics

Abstract

This collection offers comprehensive insights into pivotal areas of concern regarding developments in Zimbabwe since independence. On a national level, key indigenization policies in both political and economical spheres are assessed. Special attention is given to intra-elite competition, educational programmes, the lacklustre performance of the Zimbabwean economy, and the management of its resources. President Mugabe's re-introduction of the war veterans for his political survival is explored by providing historical perspective on the mutual dependency of veterans and the ruling party. The book also shows how veterans have used their power in the party to pursue narrow group gains by fighting for the conversion of private land into state land. Efforts by the regime to muffle private media outlets and deteriorating media scene in general are outlined.