Erasmus Shalihaxwe
Veterans of the liberation struggle, represented by the Former Refugees Repatriation Association Namibia, have urged parliament to remove defence and veterans affairs minister Frans Kapofi and his deputy, Hilma Nikanor, from their positions.
The group, led by Matheus Nangolo, addressed the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Constitutional and Legal Affairs last week, expressing their dissatisfaction with the duo.
Nangolo claimed that Kapofi and Nikanor have failed to address the veterans’ concerns since their appointments, leading to a worsening situation.
‘’Honourable Frans Kapofi and Hilma Nikanor should be removed from dealing with veterans’ issues, together with Mr Thaddeus Erago. He has no respect for veterans, despite being a veteran himself. We came to the committee for help as a last resort. We want the committee to find a solution for us,’’ said Nangolo.
In order to serve the interests of veterans, the group also demands that the Veterans Affairs Department remain independent of the ministry.
They argued that the department functioned smoothly as an independent entity but has become plagued by corruption since its merger with the Defence Ministry.
Nangolo explained the inequality in the monthly allowances provided to veterans, which vary depending on their roles during the struggle.
According to him, there is a category of veterans who received military training and were deployed to fight at the front and another category of those who were sent for studies, and these two groups receive different amounts per month.
‘’Help us resolve this discrimination, we want to get the same amount per month. Some people are receiving N$2 500 per month, some are getting N$5 000 then you find some people are receiving N$750 per month,’’ stressed Nangolo.
Committee member, Patience Masua informed the veterans that the committee lacks the authority to dismiss or appoint ministers.
She said the committee serves only to hear their complaints and advise the National Assembly.
‘’It is not our job to fire or hire ministers, that is something within the power of the President,’’ said Masua.
When contacted for a response, Kapofi said he needed time to consider the questions because he was involved in an important workshop.
He asked the reporter to call back the next day but did not answer his phone.
Nikanor asked for time to compile the committee’s findings and present them to Parliament for discussion.
“Let us not jump the gun. The former refugees have petitioned Parliament, and as a member of Parliament, we are expecting the petition to be discussed in the National Assembly. So let us wait for the committee to make its conclusion and see what they are going to bring to Parliament,” Nikanor said.
