Unity talk boosts MK vets

NATIONAL EXECUTIVE: TASK TEAM THAT WILL WORK TOWARDS MERGING TWO STRUCTURES

Eric Naki

Both factions of former Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) military veterans have welcomed the decision by the ANC national executive to work towards achieving unity and establishing a single structure for all veterans.

Both sides were optimistic about the unity process.

Umkhonto we Sizwe Military Veteran’s Association (MKMVA) and rival Umkhonto we Sizwe National Council have been instructed by the ANC to form a task team that would work towards the two structures forming a single military veterans body.

After next year’s elections, a conference would be held to elect an all-inclusive executive national committee who would lead the integrated association.

MKMVA’s national executive committee member and spokesperson Carl Niehaus said the envisaged unity process between the MKMVA and MK National Council would present an opportunity to have the plight of former and former SANDF chief General Siphiwe Nyanda, maintained a neutral position and refused to be drawn to ANC factions in the runup to the party’s elective national conference last December.

The council comprises known former MK cadres while the MKMVA allegedly recruited youth with no combat experience as veterans.

Yesterday, National Council representative Ike Moroe said they welcomed the NEC decision. “This is what we have been working for all along, we are ready to ensure this unity becomes a reality.

“The former MK members are an asset for the ANC,” Moroe said.

Moroe, a former MK cadre, said the envisaged unity did not mean that the council members were re-joining the MKMVA.

“Some people gave a wrong impression that we are re-joining Kebby (Maphatsoe) and company. Far from the truth. Instead we are working for the unity of the community of MK veterans because there must be one structure of MK vets,” Moroe said. –