This weekend, KZN Premier Senzo Mchunu unveiled an integrated Military Veterans Support Programme in Ngwavuma, UMkhanyakude District. He was accompanied by the Minister of Military Veterans Minister Nosiviwe Maphisa-Nqakula, Member of Provincial Parliament Sihle Zikalala and leadership representing military veterans.
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 for opening a new chapter in the lives of millions of our people. We want to affirm our intention as government to rollout the military veterans programme to various districts municipalities with all government departments and municipalities playing a critical role.
“Critically, I have mandated the Office of the Premier to ensure that there is meaningful interactions with all role-players to ensure the mainstreaming of veterans into government programmes. It cannot be correct that military veterans are left destitute under a democratic government which they established through years of sacrifice. Most of the veterans have no work, no medical assistance and no housing or education and training. We also want to assist those who want to get into the mainstream economy.”
“We appreciate the role played by the Department of Military Veterans under the leadership of Minister Nosiviwe Maphisa-Nqakula. We are working with her department to fast-track the registration of those who qualify to be on the database of military veterans.”
“The department has also ensured that a budget is distributed to various provinces for the benefit of the veterans. The provincial government allocated a provisional funding of more than R97 million (R97, 158, 900.40) to construct 530 houses in the 2015/16, 2016/17 and 2017/18 financial years in line with the Military Veterans Housing Programme.”
“On Monday, 15 February 2015, the Department of Human Settlement will begin the process of the construction of the first house in Copsville, Pietermaritzburg. There are approximately 40 Serviced Sites that are available for construction of houses.”
“The Implementing Agent is currently busy with the beneficiary administration process including the identification of land for the targeted beneficiaries. To date 154 Military Veterans have been approved in the Housing Subsidy System.”
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