Veterans to get 70% of farms
Cabinet has approved a recommendation that 70% of all future resettlement farms be reserved for war veterans and their dependants, while the rest of the beneficiaries must be drawn from the national pool of applicants.
A document containing recent cabinet decisions marked 'secret' was sent to media houses yesterday by the information ministry, including the new recommendation favouring war veterans.
Secretary to cabinet George Simataa confirmed the contents of the document.
The recommendation follows concerns raised by the Vaalgras Traditional Authority at the second national land conference, as well as suggestions made by the National Unity of Democratic Organisation (Nudo) in the National Assembly.
“Cabinet approved that reference to war veterans of the liberation struggle and their dependents from the 70% share (ration) should be limited to veterans from the affected communities under the resettlement programme of land reform for the benefit of land dispossessed communities, while 30% is for the national pool, as per the resolution of the second national land conference (sic),” the cabinet resolution reads.
It was revealed in April that government had set aside N$405 million for monthly grants that are paid to over 15 000 war veterans, and for other related obligations.
War veterans are already well-positioned when it comes to fishing rights and other opportunities.
About N$4.8 million will be spent during the current financial year on education and training grants for veterans and their dependants, who wish to further their education or upgrade their skills. Another N$2 million was set aside for veterans' funeral cover, while N$1 million goes to the Namibia National Liberation Veterans Association (NNLVA).
The total budget of N$608 million for the veterans' affairs ministry, is way above the total allocation for some key ministries in the country such as labour and employment creation, youth and sport, as well as that of trade and SME development.
The mandate of the veterans' ministry is to address the plight of the veterans by initiating, promoting and implementing projects and programmes, including keeping the history of the struggle alive.
Those that pass the rigorous veterans screening process are placed on benefits that include a once-off gratuity lump sum payment of N$50 000 for individuals who joined the liberation struggle between 1959 and 1987, and a N$20 000 once-off payment for individuals who joined the struggle between 1988 and 1989. Veterans can also apply for N$200 000 for income-generating projects they want to initiate.
JEMIMA BEUKES
A document containing recent cabinet decisions marked 'secret' was sent to media houses yesterday by the information ministry, including the new recommendation favouring war veterans.
Secretary to cabinet George Simataa confirmed the contents of the document.
The recommendation follows concerns raised by the Vaalgras Traditional Authority at the second national land conference, as well as suggestions made by the National Unity of Democratic Organisation (Nudo) in the National Assembly.
“Cabinet approved that reference to war veterans of the liberation struggle and their dependents from the 70% share (ration) should be limited to veterans from the affected communities under the resettlement programme of land reform for the benefit of land dispossessed communities, while 30% is for the national pool, as per the resolution of the second national land conference (sic),” the cabinet resolution reads.
It was revealed in April that government had set aside N$405 million for monthly grants that are paid to over 15 000 war veterans, and for other related obligations.
War veterans are already well-positioned when it comes to fishing rights and other opportunities.
About N$4.8 million will be spent during the current financial year on education and training grants for veterans and their dependants, who wish to further their education or upgrade their skills. Another N$2 million was set aside for veterans' funeral cover, while N$1 million goes to the Namibia National Liberation Veterans Association (NNLVA).
The total budget of N$608 million for the veterans' affairs ministry, is way above the total allocation for some key ministries in the country such as labour and employment creation, youth and sport, as well as that of trade and SME development.
The mandate of the veterans' ministry is to address the plight of the veterans by initiating, promoting and implementing projects and programmes, including keeping the history of the struggle alive.
Those that pass the rigorous veterans screening process are placed on benefits that include a once-off gratuity lump sum payment of N$50 000 for individuals who joined the liberation struggle between 1959 and 1987, and a N$20 000 once-off payment for individuals who joined the struggle between 1988 and 1989. Veterans can also apply for N$200 000 for income-generating projects they want to initiate.
JEMIMA BEUKES
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