Banner Left
Banner Right

War vets’ ministry ready at month end

War vets’ ministry ready at month end

WAR veterans will soon be united in one organisation by a new law to be introduced in order to set up a statutory body for them, it was announced in the National Assembly last Thursday.

The Minister of Veterans’ Affairs said he would introduce a new bill as legal backing for this new organisation. “We will introduce another new legislation which will determine and define … who actually is a veteran so that we can work in a predictable manner,” Minister Ngarikutuke Tjiriange stated in Parliament.Taking an obvious swipe at the private organisation set up by disgruntled war veterans under Alex Kamwi, the Minister said that “some elements went out of their way to travel to regions and try to register former fighters for reasons just known to themselves – they cause confusion among the communities”.”Many people thought that the forms these people gave out for registration came indeed from the Ministry of Veterans’ Affairs and that the registration process is being carried out by the Government.”Those indulging in this so-called registration are unnecessarily causing serious confusion, incitement, unrealistic expectations and chaos among the former fighters,” the Minister said.He went on to say that his Ministry was still setting up structures and would officially start its work at the end of this month.All veterans should remain patient in the meantime.”Recruitment of staff is in full swing and our Ministry will further arrange a conference to discuss and debate its strategic plan with all stakeholders.”Registration of veterans has not yet started and people should wait until we come to them,” Tjiriange added.”We shall officially, clearly and systematically announce the beginning of the registration process, the venues where people should go and all the necessary details.”The benefits that veterans would be entitled to would be determined by Government and Parliament “at an appropriate time and the nation will be informed about such decisions,” the Minister emphasised.”We will introduce another new legislation which will determine and define … who actually is a veteran so that we can work in a predictable manner,” Minister Ngarikutuke Tjiriange stated in Parliament.Taking an obvious swipe at the private organisation set up by disgruntled war veterans under Alex Kamwi, the Minister said that “some elements went out of their way to travel to regions and try to register former fighters for reasons just known to themselves – they cause confusion among the communities”.”Many people thought that the forms these people gave out for registration came indeed from the Ministry of Veterans’ Affairs and that the registration process is being carried out by the Government.”Those indulging in this so-called registration are unnecessarily causing serious confusion, incitement, unrealistic expectations and chaos among the former fighters,” the Minister said.He went on to say that his Ministry was still setting up structures and would officially start its work at the end of this month.All veterans should remain patient in the meantime.”Recruitment of staff is in full swing and our Ministry will further arrange a conference to discuss and debate its strategic plan with all stakeholders.”Registration of veterans has not yet started and people should wait until we come to them,” Tjiriange added.”We shall officially, clearly and systematically announce the beginning of the registration process, the venues where people should go and all the necessary details.”The benefits that veterans would be entitled to would be determined by Government and Parliament “at an appropriate time and the nation will be informed about such decisions,” the Minister emphasised.

Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!

Latest News