Call to act on veterans' needs

Neglect could lead to national security threat, MP warns

- THAMI MAGUBANE

THE government has been warned to act swiftly in addressing the needs of military veterans, or it risks those veterans becoming mercenaries, which could threaten social security and peace.

This was the warning issued by the chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans, Dakota Legoete, during recent budget discussions on the Department of Defence. He outlined several shortcomings within the defence sector that he believed posed a threat to the state of the nation.

Legoete stated that the country has been struggling to finalise the database of military veterans for the past 14 years. The issue of military veterans has been a challenging subject for the country.

On numerous occasions, individuals claiming to be military veterans have protested, demanding opportunities in various municipalities. A few years ago, a group of people claiming to be military veterans invaded government flats in Pietermaritzburg, citing a need for housing.

"We must ensure that we finalise the database of military veterans. It has now been 14 years, and we are still making no progress," he said.

"The portfolio committee is calling for the finalisation of that database verification so that all deserving military veterans can receive their benefits and live normal lives. A nation that fails to recognise those who have sacrificed and contributed to its nationhood does not deserve a future.