Eba Kandovazu

The Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs spent N$2.5 million on funeral assistance for 363 veterans during the 2025/2026 financial year, minister Frans Kapofi told Parliament last week.

Presenting the 2026/2027 budget motivation, Kapofi said the expenditure reflects government’s commitment to honouring veterans.

“This demonstrates the government’s commitment to honouring veterans who contributed so much to our nation’s liberation,” he said.

Kapofi added that the Department of Veterans Affairs received a total allocation of N$1.5 billion during the period, of which 94% was utilised to improve veterans’ welfare and preserve
the history of the liberation struggle.

The largest share of the budget was allocated towards monthly grants, amounting to N$1.1 billion, which benefited 23,694 veterans.

Other expenditures included N$313.4 million Individual Veterans’ Projects (IVPs), supporting 1 840 beneficiaries, N$30 million in once-off gratuities to 609 individuals granted veteran status through appeals, and N$834 523.06 for medical assistance to 37 veterans.

Looking ahead, Kapofi outlined a total budget request of N$1.5 billion for the 2026/2027 financial year, structured across three key programmes.

The Veterans Welfare Programme has been allocated N$1.4 billion to cover monthly subventions, welfare grants for former Plan combatants, lump-sum gratuities, IVPs, medical and psychosocial support, as well as the operations of the Veterans Board and the National Honours Advisory Committee.

The Liberation Struggle Heritage Programme has been allocated N$13.8 million, while Policy Coordination and Support Services will receive N$126.3 million.

“I therefore request honourable members to support and approve the budget allocation of N$1 522 500 000 for Vote 31: Veterans Affairs for the 2026/2027 financial year. The Government of the Republic of Namibia will continue to honour veterans and strive to improve their living standards for their immense contribution and sacrifices,” Kapofi said. 

-Nampa