N$1bn spent on veterans’ grants in 2025

Grants for war veterans dominated ministry of defence spending in the 2025/2026 financial year, with more than N$1 billion disbursed to benefit 23 694 beneficiaries by March this year.

The amount represented 68.4% of the ministry’s total allocation.

Deputy minister of defence and veterans affairs Charles Mubita, in a speech delivered on behalf of minister Frans Kapofi, said the veterans’ programme received N$1.5 billion, of which 94.2% had been effectively utilised.

“This expenditure was primarily directed towards initiatives aimed at enhancing veterans’ welfare and preserving the history of the liberation struggle for future generations,” he said during a budget motivation delivered in parliament yesterday.

Mubita detailed additional expenditures, noting that N$313 million was used to support 1 840 veterans through individual veterans’ projects (IVPs).

A further N$30 million was allocated for once-off gratuities to 609 beneficiaries who were granted veteran status following successful appeals.

By law, beneficiaries are those recognised as veterans of the liberation struggle – a definition reserved for those who have participated in Namibia’s fight for independence.

To qualify, a person must have “consistently and persistently participated in the liberation struggle” politically, militarily, diplomatically, or through underground activities geared towards freeing the country.

They must be registered with the defence ministry and approved by the veterans board, which grants official veteran status.

Future funding

In addition, N$2.5 million was spent on funeral assistance for 363 veterans, while N$834 523 was allocated for medical assistance to 37 veterans.

Looking ahead, Kapofi said that for the 2026/2027 financial year, the programme has been allocated N$1.3 billion.

The funding will cover the monthly subvention, the improvement of the welfare grants for ex-PLAN combatant veterans, one-off gratuities (lump sums), IVPs, medical support and psychosocial support, as well as the operations of the veterans board and the National Honours Advisory Committee.

Mubita highlighted that the primary objective of the liberation struggle heritage programme is to ensure that Namibia’s liberation history is preserved.

“This is achieved through research and documentation, the collection and preservation of materials and artefacts, the identification and marking of sites where acts of the liberation struggle occurred, and the erection of monuments,” he said.

For the 2026/2027 fiscal year, the programme has been allocated N$13 million.

The funds will cover funeral assistance for families of deceased veterans, the erection of tombstones, the identification and marking of heritage sites, and the exhumation and re-interment of martyrs’ remains.

The deputy minister added that the ministry has been allocated N$126 million for personnel and administrative costs within the Veterans Affairs Division to ensure effective programme management and support.

“The ministry remains committed to implementing programmes that enhance veterans’ socio-economic well-being while preserving Namibia’s liberation heritage. Regular monitoring and evaluation will ensure effective service delivery and improved organisational performance,” the minister said.

Allowance hike proposed

Last week, Mubita proposed increasing monthly veteran allowances to N$5 000, citing stagnant grants and the poor living conditions faced by many beneficiaries.

Currently, eligible veterans who are retired, unemployed or earning less than N$3 000 per month receive N$2 200.

In the event of a veteran’s death, the monthly grant is transferred to their dependants, with 55% allocated to the spouse and 45% to children under the age of 18.

Mubita made this proposal in the National Assembly during his contribution to the 2026/2027 national budget debate last week. - [email protected]