Government support for military veterans

THE KZN provincial government has set aside R97-million for an integrated military veterans’ support programme throughout the province.

Speaking at the programme launch in Ingwavuma, KZN Premier Senzo Mchunu said, ‘uMkhanyakude was identified for this launch because the area was used as a base by guerrillas who crossed the border to neighbouring countries such as Mozambique and Swaziland.

‘It was also used for other assignments such as recruitment, training and to wage war inside the country.

‘We are here to recognise and acknowledge the role of veterans in opening a new chapter in the lives of millions of our people.

‘We want to affirm our intention as government to roll-out the military veterans programme to various district municipalities with all government departments and municipalities playing a critical role.’

Mchunu said most of the veterans and their families are destitute, with no work, medical assistance, housing or education and should not be left as such in the democracy they helped establish.

‘We appreciate the role played by the Department of Military Veterans under the leadership of Minister Nosiviwe Maphisa-Nqakula and we are working with her department to fast-track the registration of those who qualify to be on the database of military veterans,’ he said.

Monies allocated to the programme will be used for the construction of 530 houses over the next three financial years, in line with the Military Veterans’ Housing Programme.

The Department of Human Settlement will work with local municipalities to identify beneficiaries.

To date, 154 veterans have been approved on the Housing Subsidy System.

Forty serviced sites are available for construction near Pietermaritzburg and 13 sites have been identified in uThukela District.

The veterans will also be integrated into the Poverty Alleviation Programme.