Taking care of veterans
Military veterans create an organisation that caters and honours them for their dedication to the South African National Defence Force.
THE South African Defence Force Association (SAFDA) is calling on military veterans in Durban KZN to join their community so they can be honoured. With a new unit in the Upper Highway area, the organisation aims to give veterans an opportunity to belong somewhere where they will also be honoured for their service to the public.
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Speaking about the organisation, the chairperson of the eThekwini region, Catherine Smith, said the organisation was founded in 2009 with the aim to take care of the veterans. “We had discovered that the veterans are not taken care of, with some living off of the social grant after their retirement. These are people who have been dedicated to the military, serving for about 30 to 40 years. These are the old soldiers who fought in the border wars in SA; the other veterans are the ones who have served for decades. Some of them are struggling, and as an association, we stand to help them should they choose to join,” she said.
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The organisation works countrywide and engages in activities to get all the veterans together, where they also involve their families and help communities where they can. “SADFA is a veterans’ organisation that will give veterans the optimal opportunity to belong somewhere, to participate in memorial services, to be looked after and ensure their voices are heard. SADFA creates a support structure to assist members on different levels and to strengthen communities.
“We focus 20% on the past and 80% on the future by creating projects to offer our members a better future. Our military veterans must be recognised for their participation, support, and development for the safety of South African Citizens – men and women who gave their lives for this cause. The Upper Highway unit recently held a golf event where existing members met to engage with each other.
“As a reasonably new unit in KZN, the day was a success, and thanks to our sponsors, players, and participants who made the day a success,” she said. Smith said the organisation has more plans for the Upper Highway area where they will also involve the community. Military veterans who are interested can contact Reinet Bekker on 060 761 0991.
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