Military veterans will finally receive pension payouts

JOHANNESBURG - Hundreds of military veterans will receive their long-awaited pension payouts, Deputy President David Mabuza announced on Saturday.

“We are excited that finally the obstacles that were preventing us from dispensing the necessary services to military veterans have been overcome. One service that has been a challenge was the pension rollout,” he said.

“I am glad to say that we have overcome that hurdle. We have finally approved the pension rollout which we think will go a long way into assisting our military veterans.”

Mabuza was speaking to military veterans – who previously complained about being ignored when it comes to housing, social relief, educational assistance, employment and access to land - in Mahikeng, North West.

Prevented

Last year SowetanLIVE sister publication TimesLIVE reported that Defence Minister Thandi Modise, her Deputy Thabang Makwetla and Minister in the Presidency Mondli Gungubele were allegedly prevented

from leaving a meeting at a hotel in Tshwane.

Police intervened after veterans barricaded doors with chairs and refused to allow the three to leave. According to Sunday Times, their demands included the payment of R4.2 million to each of the 9 000 veterans at a total cost of more than R37 billion.

Arrested

Initially, 56 people were arrested, three of whom were released as they were identified as staff members. All accused are facing 27 charges: One count of conspiracy to kidnap and 26 counts for kidnapping. All 53 arrested veterans were released on bail.

Mabuza told Saturday’s gathering that Makwetla would elaborate on the pension rollout later.

“We want to see this pension being rolled out as soon as possible, without delay,” he said.

The deputy president, who heads the presidential task team on military veterans, said government departments, State-owned entities and the private sector were working together to alleviate the challenges faced by military veterans.