The socio-economic status and needs of ex-combatants: The case of Masvingo province

Abstract

This document attempts to investigate and assess the developmental progress and requirements of one specific social group of Zimbabwe - "ex-combatants". It is hoped that this effort among others will contribute to developments which will finally obviate, in the near future, the need to refer to the Zimbabweans concerned as "excombatants". This term must unfortunately be used in the meantime because the problems faced by ex-combatants have not so far been fully appreciated by the society at large and development promoters. It has been assumed that simple solutions will erase the otherwise complex socio-psychological problems faced by ex-combatants within the particular political economy of Zimbabwe. The study focusses particularly on the socio-economic status of ex-combatants in Masvingo Province and it is hoped this exercise will be useful in developing a framework within which similar work will be done throughout the other provinces. Although the focus is limited to ex-combatants, it should be noted that most of the issues addressed are also relevant for the development of other groups, including; the youth in genral, the unemployed and school-leavers.