One hundred and sixty-six (166) military veterans from the North West Province were overjoyed to receive their health and wellness cards and health screening at the Department of Military Veterans’ “Our health is our concern” Provincial roadshow held at the 10 SAI BN Military Base in Mahikeng on Tuesday.
The handover of health and wellness cards for military veterans to access health services from all military bases across the country is part of the roll-out of a national campaign and Socio-Economic Support Programme aimed at providing health care and well-being support to military veterans.
In delivering Premier Thandi Modise’s message of support to the military veterans from former liberation movements Umkhonto We Sizwe(MK), Azanian People Liberation Army (APLA), Former South African Defence Force, Former Bophuthatswana Defence Force, Acting Director General Retired Major General Dr. Makhethi Radebe said that the province supported the efforts of the Department of Military Veterans to better the lives of military veterans.
General Radebe reminded the veterans that Premier Modise had on the occasion of the handover houses to World War II veterans said that extending benefits to military veterans is not a payback but part of remembering as a country those who fell in the line of duty in defence of South Africa and celebrating those who are still alive as heroes and heroines.
Radebe reiterated the Premier’s call for youth to emulate military veterans by taking volunteerism or “Letsema” seriously as a way to make a meaningful contribution in their communities.
“Although all the veterans who are here volunteered and self-selected to serve without expecting anything in return, this programme that we are proud to be associate with its about honouring, restoring the dignity and empowering our military veterans for nation building and the building of a better life for all.” Radebe restated.
“Perhaps now more than ever before, the country needs the vital skills, experience and expertise that military veterans’ possess, in order to advance the critical goal of consolidating reconciliation, social cohesion and nation building. In this regard your health is very critical in enabling you to contribute effectively and efficiently,” he added.
According to Chief Director for Health and Wellness in the Department of Military Veterans, Xoli Morolo, Two million Rands have been set aside for the roll out of the programme launched by Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula earlier this month for the benefit of 4800 military veterans from across the country during this financial year.
Former Umkhonto We Sizwe Military Veteran Radilori Moumakwa welcomed the rollout of the Socio-Economic programme.
“It will assist many of those who felt neglected to access health benefits, housing and empowerment and skills development that they dearly needed,” said Moumakwa who was also a member of the Luthuli Detachment.
Moumakwa’s sentiment was echoed by Esau Phetoe of the Bophuthatswana Defence Force Military Veteran Association who expressed appreciation for the inclusive approach adopted by the Department of Military Veterans.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele, Spokesperson
Cell: 083 629 1987
Tel: 018 388 3705
Fax: 018 388 3157
E-mail: LKgwele@gmail.com
