SANDF / SADF Military Veterans

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A few pieces of information about Military Veterans from the South African Defence Force (SANDF / SADF) about military veterans.

MILITARY VETERANS TO RECEIVE FREE EDUCATION

The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Lindiwe Sisulu, declared that all Military Veterans would receive free tertiary education to empower themselves to actively participate in the country’s economy.

Minister Sisulu was speaking during the Military Veterans Jazz function on 26 April 2012 after the two-day South African National Military Veterans Association’s (SANMVA) first National General Council, whose theme was: Reconciliation, Restitution and Reconstruction in Pretoria.

The objective of the meeting was to reiterate the ministerial commitment to improving conditions of the Military Veterans, who were previously excluded before the establishment of the Military Affairs department in 2009.

Said Minister Sisulu “This is only a small gesture of gratitude for their contribution towards the liberation of the country because they spent all their youth fighting to liberate us from the clutches of apartheid and therefore could not study at that time. As such, they will get free education to improve their lives and that of their dependants and also participate in the country’s economy. They will also receive counselling when they visit the Military Hospitals for medical consultation as we have established a help desk dedicated to serving all our Military Veterans.”

The Deputy Minister of Defence Mr Thabang Makwetla said that the occasion would help the department to deliver on its assignment. “This platform has helped the Department (of Military Affairs) to offer assistance to the community of the SA Military Veterans so that they enjoy every right they have been deprived of. It is our responsibility as the department to fight for the space for our struggle heroes. If we are to succeed with our mandate, we have to ensure that the military veterans do not fight for their recognition but receive the honour and dignity they deserve because they can narrate a better story of apartheid than anyone else. We hope that the NGC, has over the past two days provided an opportunity for the ministry to deliver on its assignment regarding the Military Veterans,” Deputy Minister Makwetla said.

According to Mr Kebby Mphatsoe, the SANMVA chairperson, the event has helped the association to come up with concrete plans to address the plight of the Military Veterans. “We are encouraged by the fact that Minister Sisulu, Deputy Minister Makwetla and all our Generals have committed themselves to play a meaningful role in the building of a better Association. This will help us with our objective of working together to ensure a prosperous and non-racial Military Veterans association.

Representing the Senior Military Veterans, Mr Isaac Makopo urged all the military veterans to consider helping the children of their deceased comrades. “ It will be humane for all military veterans to extend a helping hand to assist the children of the deceased struggle heroes by setting up business ventures to help them, because that is what their parents would have liked them to have. It is only fair for them also to also enjoy the fruits of their parents labour,” Mr Makopo said.

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The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Honourable Ms Lindiwe Sisulu, will today 26 April 2012 close the National General Council of the South African National Military Veterans Association (SANMVA), a national umbrella association that comprises of former liberation army’s such as MK, Apla, and Azanla as well as the Council of Military Veterans’ Organisations.

Over the last few days SANMVA delegates from all Provinces have gathered at the St George’s Hotel to discuss various matters that affect military veterans, including policies.