Defence and Veterans Affairs Minister Frans Kapofi has said his ministry continues to integrate the veterans of the liberation struggle into the socio-economic mainstream through various programmes.
During a Cabinet committee briefing yesterday, Kapofi said over 18 000 veterans are presently receiving financial support from the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs in the form of a N$2 200 monthly payment.
The ministry further pays a monthly grant of N$5 000 to 8 998 veterans who were political prisoners at Robben Island and Kai //Ganaxab, he said.
In addition, Kapofi said all registered veterans qualify for funding for a project that has now been revised to a cash payment of N$170 000.
“This financial year, the ministry has already paid 322 veterans. And before the end of this financial year, the ministry is expected to pay another 425 veterans,” he said.
The ministry is also implementing a land resettlement programme for veterans.
“All veterans are eligible for land resettlement except in cases where one is already resettled under the national resettlement programme, or where one has enough land from which to undertake economic activities that would result in improving their livelihoods,” Kapofi said.
As a result, the minister noted that over N$400 000 has been paid towards the rehabilitation of water infrastructure on Farm Rostof in the Otjozondjupa region, where three veterans were resettled. Veterans are further provided with funeral and tombstone grants, as well as medical and counselling services.
“Veterans of the national liberation struggle whose health conditions resulted from their participation in the national liberation struggle are assisted with paying their medical expenses at all State facilities. If it is proven that the required treatment is not available at State health facilities, the ministry facilitates their treatment at private health facilities,” Kapofi said.
He said the ministry has so far paid over N$139 000 towards medical assistance and counselling services for the veterans. – Nampa