Government warned: Failure to support military veterans could lead to social unrest
Image: Independent Newspapers Archives
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.
'These military veterans could become mercenaries who threaten social stability and peace. It is incumbent upon us as a nation to pay our allegiance and respect to military veterans.'
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Next
Stay
Close ✕
Ad loading
In her defence budget vote last week, Defence Minister Angie Motshekga said for the 2025/26 financial year, the Department of Military Veterans has been allocated R878 million. She added that thus far, 4 378 military veterans have been provided for at a cost of R217.5 m.
'The database work-stream of the Presidential Task Team on Military Veterans is currently in the process of verifying military veterans across the country, having resumed with the North West province, to be followed by Free State in the coming weeks. 'Parallel to the verification, we are also embarking on cleansing the existing national military veterans' database to enhance its integrity.'
In terms of the overall budget, Motshekga said the department plans to intensify the rollout of military veterans' pensions with the aim of reaching 9 600 deserving military veterans or their dependants by 2027/28.
Mduduzi Chiyi of the Liberation Struggle War Veterans (LSWV) said it had noted the committee's statement on military veterans' issues, especially the database issue. 'The Liberation Struggle War Veterans raised this issue of the database that causes misery to veterans in 2020. The president established the Presidential Task Team, which engaged and agreed with LSWV to expedite the process, that is in the consensus document.
'What went wrong was the appointment of a retired general who doesn't care about the lives of Struggle war veterans. Thousands of deserving veterans are not accessing benefits because of verification and database issues. Many died as paupers because of the same reasons. The Ramaphosa government does not care about veterans; instead, they want us all dead soon. As for our veterans becoming mercenaries, government is pushing veterans towards that direction. Veterans are hungry.'
MK Party member, Mzikayise Ntshingila, said the department's failure to maintain a credible, updated database of veterans is alarming. 'Without a clean database, the fraud risk increases, benefits are delayed, and dignity is denied. Despite repeated promises, the department has not fully digitised the verification process of the veterans registry.' Meanwhile, Legoete also emphasised the importance of strengthening the country's military, stating that the nation cannot be left defenceless.
'The state exists for three reasons: to feed its people, defend its people, and develop its people. Any state loses legitimacy and credibility if it cannot fulfil these roles. All nations worldwide are increasing their defence budgets to protect their citizens. We cannot allow or run a defenceless state,' he added.
Legoete asserted that a strong military must be in place as the country advances in other areas, as progress in sectors such as economic growth, education, health, and job creation cannot occur without proper security. 'No one will invest in a country that is not safe or is defenceless,' he added, stressing that the military must be kept in top condition.
'We cannot allow a low fiscal challenge to undermine the capacity of this crucial institution,' he stated. He urged companies responsible for ensuring that the national defence force is well-resourced with equipment to perform their duties effectively. He pointed out that the recent failure of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to assist during the floods in Umtata indicated that the army is not as well-resourced as it should be.
Legoete also called on Armscor and Denel to improve their performance to ensure that the army is combat-ready for any eventuality, including civil unrest and other national threats.
THE MERCURY
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
10 hours ago
- IOL News
First National Convention to Launch National Dialogue Across South Africa
The National Convention, which will take place over the coming weeks, is designed to open up public dialogues at the grassroots level. Image: Picture: Henk Kruger/ Independent Newspapers The first-ever National Convention is set to bring together 200 organisations from 33 diverse sectors, marking the beginning of an ambitious National Dialogue process aimed at fostering meaningful discussions across the country. The National Convention, which will take place over the coming weeks, is designed to open up public dialogues at the grassroots level. These conversations will take place in local communities and across various sectors, encouraging participation from citizens, organisations, and institutions from every corner of the country. The goal is to engage as many South Africans as possible, ensuring that people from all walks of life have a platform to voice their concerns and contribute to shaping the future of the its focus on inclusivity, the convention will feature a series of dialogues that will be held across South Africa, with sessions being organised in both urban and rural areas. These dialogues will touch on key issues facing the country, including social, economic, and political challenges. The aim is to identify common ground, foster understanding, and build a collective vision for the nation's progress. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ By involving a wide range of sectors — from education and healthcare to business, technology, and the arts — the National Dialogue will ensure that the views of various stakeholders are represented. The process is also set to provide a platform for the private sector, non-governmental organisations, and civil society groups to collaborate on solutions for the country's most pressing issues. The National Dialogue is seen as a crucial step in strengthening democratic processes in South Africa, empowering citizens, and promoting social cohesion. By engaging in these dialogues, the convention hopes to create a sense of shared responsibility, where citizens feel invested in the country's future and committed to working together towards positive change. Government officials and leaders from different sectors have expressed their support for the initiative, with many emphasising the importance of open dialogue in addressing South Africa's challenges. They have called on all South Africans to participate actively in the upcoming sessions, as the success of the National Dialogue depends on the broadest possible addition to local dialogues, sector-specific discussions will allow experts, professionals, and stakeholders to come together to discuss issues pertinent to their respective fields. This sectoral approach ensures that nuanced and specialised conversations can take place, leading to more targeted solutions and actionable outcomes. The National Convention will not only set the stage for public discussions but will also lay the groundwork for ongoing dialogue initiatives that will continue long after the event. The conversations started at the convention will be part of a larger, sustained effort to bring about lasting change and progress in South South Africa moves forward with this important dialogue process, it is clear that the National Convention represents a significant step towards a more united, inclusive, and participatory future. With the involvement of 200 organizations from 33 sectors, this initiative holds the potential to spark positive change and build a foundation for a stronger, more cohesive nation.
IOL News
16 hours ago
- IOL News
Kenny Kunene's resurfaced tweets spark outrage over derogatory comments about women
Kenny Kunene is in hot water over the derogatory tweets. Image: Boxer Ngwenya/Independent Newspapers As the nation battled with wild podcasters and exposing racial tensions, the latest politician to be exposed is suspended Patriotic Alliance (PA) Deputy President Kenny Kunene. This comes after old tweets from Kunene's X (formerly Twitter) page resurfaced. The tweets, which refer to women in derogatory terms, stem from February 2012 and April 2013. Most tweets refer to women as cheap and their genitalia are constantly mentioned. Kenny Kunene was 43 years when he tweeted these It's not like he was young & stupid This is who he is 😭😭😭😭 — ChrisExcel (@ChrisExcel102) August 10, 2025 Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ The tweets were shared by @ChrisEXcel102 and the caption read: 'Kenny Kunene was 43 years when he tweeted these. It's not like he was young & stupid. This is who he is [sic]' The tweet, which has since gone viral, has been reposted over 1,500 times and over 7,800 likes. This comes after PA leader and Minister Gayton McKenzie was also exposed with old tweets, in which the K-word was used to refer to black individuals. ActionSA reported McKenzie to the South African Human Rights Commission over alleged racist remarks that included apartheid slurs and other demeaning references aimed at black South Africans. Mr President @CyrilRamaphosa, you appointed a Minister who has publicly uttered deeply offensive and despicable words against Black people. Is this really the vision of unity and inclusivity that the GNU stands for? We demand action NOW! — Vuyo Zungula MP 🇿🇦 (@ZungulaVuyo) August 8, 2025
IOL News
2 days ago
- IOL News
Economists warn of job losses as US tariffs threaten South African trade
The South African sugar industry is facing the threat of collapsing and job losses as a result of US President Donald Trump imposing 30% tariffs on the country's exports. Image: Karen Sandison / Independent Newspapers In the wake of the recent 30% tariff hike imposed by the United States, South Africa's sugar and automotive industries are bracing for significant upheaval. Economists warn that these tariffs could spell disaster for local businesses, jeopardising exports and leading to alarming job losses. An economist has warned that losing the market will collapse the industry after President Donald Trump's 30% tariff hike imposed on goods exported to the country's second biggest trade partner. Economist Miyelani Mkhabela shared these sentiments as some local exporters already expressed concern about their future. 'People have a reason to panic because the tariffs will make it difficult for South African products to appeal to the American market,' said Mkhabela. He said small industries are facing the danger of collapsing because although the normal trade deal between South Africa and the US might be restored after the end of Trump's presidency, 'four years is a lot for a company.' 'When the market is closed (through exorbitant tariffs), it means a lot for small businesses that are sending products to the American market would suffer, as their clients would say your products are 30% higher. 'That would collapse the South African manufacturing system because we depend on the US as our second trade partner,' he said. He said South Africa cannot easily find a country that could replace the American market, which 'is bigger than what we are sending to the whole of Africa'. However, he said the African economy would recover after four years as it recovered from the global financial crisis and 'is still recovering from the global health (Covid-19 pandemic). But after Trump, many emerging companies will no longer exist because they will fail to repay bank loans. SA Farmers Development Association (SAFDA) Executive Chairman Dr Siyabonga Madlala, who is involved in sugar manufacturing, is concerned that while businesses have no power over politically influenced tariffs, they are the ones bearing the brunt. Madlala anticipated a loss of millions of rand, a situation that would result in alarming job losses. He said the South African Sugar Association (SASA)'s lots of sugar meant for the US might go to waste. 'America, through AGOA (the African Growth and Opportunity Act), has given us a lucrative market for about 24,000 tons of sugar exports, so with the imposition of tariffs, our sugar won't be attractive to our US consumers as it is now becoming expensive. 'It forces US consumers to look for alternatives rather than buying from us because our sugar becomes 30% more expensive,' said Madlala. South African competitors in supplying the US with sugar are Mexico, Brazil, Australia, and several Central American and Caribbean nations. He estimated that, through the tariffs, SASA will lose R168 million from its annual revenue. According to Madlala, the US market, which found South African sugar affordable under the AGOA agreement, may look for alternative countries to buy from. 'The reason is that lots of other countries are subsidised, therefore they can afford to still sell sugar than us, as we are not subsidised but working on our own,' said Madlala. He said reducing production would cause job losses and the shutdown of sugar mills. 'Once you try to lower the production, it means some farms will shut down or diversify. By that, it means that sugar mills will lose sugar cane supply, which is the lifeblood of the sugar mill,' he said. He said the tariffs came at the wrong time when the government's master plan was succeeding in reviving some major sugar mills, including Tongaat Hulett, which in the process was coming out of business rescue. 'While we are appreciating the master plan's initiative, we are now bombarded with the tariffs,' said Madlala. Influential organisations such as FW De Klerk Foundation recently called for the country to expand its trade partners rather than relying on the US. Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen said the government was also reaching out to other countries. However, Madlala said finding an alternative market was not easy to do overnight. National Association of Automotive Component and Allied Manufacturers (NAACAM) CEO Renai Moothilal told the media that the automotive industry was already feeling the effects, as some companies have started to lose US deals. 'We are already seeing new contracts, especially for the US, being cancelled or not pursued, putting one of the country's most critical manufacturing sectors at risk,' Moothilal said. Build One SA (BOSA) called on Ramaphosa to engage directly with the US Congress members, who will decide on the fate of AGOA, and tell them that over 500,000 US jobs are linked to trade with South Africa. Another economist, Khulekani Mathe, commended Ramaphosa for continuing to negotiate with Trump, as he cannot immediately find an alternative market. He said it was not guaranteed that South Africa/US trade would recover after Trump's departure. 'It is dependent on whether we are to negotiate anytime between now and four for more favourable terms. The economic recovery would depend on whether the country can find an alternative market to send the volume of products that are sent to the US, something that can not materialise in the short term. Professor Bonke Dumisa said Trump was miscalculating to think tariffs would benefit his economy because 'Economic History shows us that no one wins the tariff wars'. 'Purportedly, it is said that the USA wants to open space for its businesses to recapture the market space they lost as they focused on moving abroad to produce more competitively priced products. Unfortunately, USA businesses priced themselves out of the markets. 'The South African businesses affected by these Tariffs must look for alternative markets. There is very little that the government can do to help these businesses,' said Dumisa. [email protected]
