By Michael Liswaniso
OPUWO
Minister of Veteran Affairs, Dr Ngarikutuke Tjiriange, has once again called on residents and veterans to be patient while he builds the new ministry that is expected to coordinate, identify and register veterans as well as promote their social welfare to live a better life.
The minister made the plea when speaking to residents of Opuwo at a meeting earlier this week to sensitize traditional leaders, constituency councillors and heads of line ministries and other non-governmental organizations on the role of his ministry, as well as to update them on progress so far.
Tjiriange said it was necessary to brief the regional leaders who in return can sensitize all regional subjects to wait patiently.
“Since independence, the nation has been preoccupied with the fate of veterans, and this is why government decided to set up this new ministry to settle this once and for all. I have to build the ministry and recruit the right and suitably qualified people … put out programmes and reach everyone. We are serious, and please be patient,” noted Tjiriange.
The minister denied allegations that the ministry would only recruit former fighters, or rather war veterans.
“That is not true. Everyone can apply. You cannot run a ministry like that. Everyone is encouraged to apply, and those who qualify will be employed.”