[citation needed] During the Rhodesian Bush War, many guerrillas believed that they would receive land expropriated from the country's white minority in the event of a military or political victory.
[5] In accordance with the Lancaster House Agreement, the Zimbabwean government agreed to delay land redistribution by means of compulsory seizure for ten years.
[7] Additionally, a disproportionate amount of the redistributed land was being held by fewer than 600 landowners, most of whom were wealthy, politically connected and owned multiple properties.
Following its first congress in 1992, the ZNLWVA resolved to secure the welfare of all ZANLA or ZIPRA veterans, and lobby the state on their behalf concerning two issues: pensions and other public benefits, and land ownership.
[9] The ZNLWVA records noted that the 35,000 ex-guerrillas who demobilized at the end of the war received a flat severance sum from the Zimbabwean military of about Z$400, with a two-year allowance of Z$185 per month.
[9] By 1985 half of the demobilised guerrillas were also insolvent, having been unable to secure long-term employment or receive job training due to rising unemployment.
The election was held to fill a seat in parliament left vacant by Munacho Mutezo, who was expelled from ZANU-PF for his association with Zimbabwe People First leader Joice Mujuru.