Three hundred million rand has been budgeted for 504 houses, access to free medical service and access to education for military veterans and their dependants, Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Thabang Makwetla announced at the handover of houses to two military veterans at Kraaipan near Setlagole in the North West province on Wednesday.
Deputy Minister Makwetla commented the North West Provincial Government for leading in implementation of the housing programme that he launched with the handover of houses to Jacob Modise, 97 and Phillip Sebopelwa, 94 who fought in the World War II. The two were given keys to fully furnished houses, making them the first beneficiaries of a national housing programme for military veterans across the country.
Makwetla said the programme targeting 38 houses per province and an additional 200 in the Eastern Cape is part of the government to recognise the efforts of the military veterans who fought to protect and preserve their country.
“We are here to correct the wrong and injustices of the past. The few who are still around must be appreciated. They made huge sacrifices to protect and preserve humanity against fascism,” said Makwetla.
“The partnership with the North West Provincial Government, best performing Provincial Department of Human Settlements and Ratlou Local Municipality that has made it possible for us to be here today for this historic launch must be duplicated throughout our communities to make sure that the Department of Military Veterans is successful in its effort,” he said.
In her address, North West Premier Thandi Modise appealed to the youth to emulate military veterans by taking volunteerism or “letsema” seriously as a way to make a meaningful contribution in their communities.
Premier Modise said she was pleased that government was able to fulfil its promise to build houses for military veterans who were not compensated and had no direct benefit for defending their country. She said that the country should always remember those fell in the line of duty in defence of South Africa and celebrate those who are still alive as heroes and heroines.
She said she was particularly proud that the programme is starting in the Ratlou Local Municipality. “It is one of the municipalities that get clean audit. We are proud that’s why we start this programme here. All the veterans who are here volunteered and self selected to serve without expecting anything in return,” said the Premier. Jacob Modise’s son Molusi Modise said the family was very happy that the government has decided to honour their father for his contribution.
“We are glad that the government is making an effort to correct the injustices because at least now he will have a descent place to call home,” said Molusi Modise. Umkhonto We Sizwe Military veteran Simon Senna also expressed confidence that the gesture will give hope to those who have been waiting in the wings.
“This is a milestone that should make sure that the two world war veterans enjoy their best of lives in the remaining years of their lives,” said National Deputy Chairperson and North West Provincial Chairperson of Solomon Mahlangu Freedom College (SOMAFCO) Unity Association, Dr Moeletsi Leballo in echoing Senna’s view.
The Department of Military Veterans is also in the process of rolling out a programme that will enable the veterans to have free access to public transport, free healthcare and counselling which will also extend to family members.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele, Spokesperson
Tel: 018 388 3705
Cell: 083 629 1987
Fax: 018 388 3157
E-mail: LKgwele@gmail.com
