Niël Terblanché
A group of Namibians who claim that they were displaced during the country’s war for independence has handed a petition to the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs, demanding the same recognition and treatment as war veterans.
These individuals, who were repatriated in 1989 from various countries, claim discrimination in the allocation of veteran benefits and are calling for immediate government intervention to rectify the situation.
The petition submitted outlines several demands, including the distribution of N$400 000 to each member of the group and access to project funding similar to what recognised veterans of the liberation struggle receive.
The petitioners argue that their contributions and sacrifices during the liberation struggle deserve the same level of recognition and support as those made by recognised veterans.
Defence and Veteran Affairs Minister Frans Kapofi acknowledged the grievances but noted that the ministry operates under budget constraints that affect its ability to distribute all outstanding cash payments at once.
“The ministry uses a first-in, first-out (FIFO) approach to payout projects, giving special consideration to sick, frail, and elderly veterans,” he said in a statement released on Friday.
Kapofi clarified that a Cabinet decision to distribute N$400 000 to each veteran, as cited by the petitioners, is not recognised by the ministry.
He reiterated that the existing veterans’ benefits are based on established criteria and that the ministry is committed to honouring those criteria fairly.
The petitioners also requested amendments to the distribution of monthly grants and the inclusion of former refugee children of the liberation struggle in the veterans’ benefits scheme.
Kapofi, however, reiterated that the Veterans Act’s age criteria disqualify such individuals from veteran status.
“The ministry provides a range of benefits, including monthly allowances, lump-sum gratuities, and individual veterans’ projects (IVPs),” he said.
Kapofi also said that from 2008 to June 2024, the ministry has paid out over N$12.6 billion in various benefits to veterans, including housing and funeral assistance, educational grants, and medical aid.
The displaced refugees also called for specific government actions, such as providing housing, providing medical aid, and reinstating the education assistance programme.
They demanded full funding for funeral arrangements and tombstones, as well as recognition and honour for disabled veterans on Heroes Day.
Kapofi told the group that the government has a dedicated honour system in place and will continue to honour Namibians who have contributed to the nation’s welfare.
He also clarified that all Namibians, including veterans, must apply for land resettlement through the Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform.
He invited petitioners to bring specific evidence of discrimination to his attention for an investigation.
Kapofi requested patience and understanding as the government addressed some of the group’s concerns within its financial means.
