We, South African Military Veterans, urgently demand to be accurately listed in the Department of Military Veterans (DMV) database. Our service entitles us to the full benefits and pensions we have earned, but many veterans are not receiving them due to errors or omissions in the DMV records. We call for immediate action to correct these issues and ensure that all veterans get the support they deserve.
Results can only be earned through action.
The time for excuses and delays is over. The time for tangible progress and real change is now. It is time for the new government to finally deliver on their commitments to us, the citizens they are supposed to serve.
As a veteran and concerned citizen of South Africa, I believe our plight deserves urgent attention. Governments enlist citizens to fight wars on their behalf, and while they are heroes during conflicts, they are often forgotten once the fighting ends. After persistent advocacy, the government enacted the Military Veterans Act 18 of 2011 to outline veterans’ benefits. However, the Department of Military Veterans (DMV) has failed to implement these benefits effectively.
Despite over 1.6 million force numbers issued by the Department of Defence (DOD) and the DMV’s efforts to capture veterans in their database, only a fraction have been included. Out of an estimated 57,000 names from 2010, only around 25,000 veterans have been added in a decade. This dismal progress cannot be attributed to a lack of capacity or funds, as DMV has unfilled positions and returns unspent budgets annually.
The DMV’s inefficiency is evident with over ten Director Generals or Acting Directors General, ongoing staff suspensions, and poor management. The Ministry of Defence and Military Veterans (MODMV) and the Presidency are aware of these issues through parliamentary reports and the Presidential Task Team. Yet, no substantial action has been taken.
It is time to consider placing the DMV under administration or implementing a focused plan of action. Immediate steps should include:
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Establishing Efficient Processes: Ensure regulations are enforced rigorously and that the DMV operates effectively.
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Improving Communication: Address the issues with applications and communication delays, ensuring timely responses and reducing duplications.
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Strengthening Call Centers and Email Responses: Ensure call centers are operational and emails are addressed promptly.
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Expediting Claims Processing: Implement measures to speed up the processing of applications and benefits, especially for urgent cases like funeral benefits.
Comprehensive and Transparent Registration:
We advocate for accurate and transparent registration of military veterans in the DMV database to ensure they receive their deserved recognition and benefits. This involves maintaining precise records, protecting personal information, streamlining verification processes with military records, training DMV staff on veteran-specific needs, implementing feedback mechanisms, and ensuring transparency through regular audits and clear data handling practices.
Provision of All Promised Benefits: Veterans deserve the immediate delivery of all promised benefits, including healthcare, housing, education, and employment opportunities. These benefits are not privileges but rights earned through their service. It is our duty to support them fully and honor their sacrifices by ensuring they receive the comprehensive support they have rightfully earned.
