The Department of Military Veterans (DMV) has announced that the rollout of the military veterans’ pension will continue once a review process is completed.
This decision comes after approximately 300 military veterans expressed concerns about delays in receiving their pensions.
“We acknowledge the hardship faced by military veterans and recognise their frustration. This benefit is a vital intervention aimed at restoring dignity and improving the quality of life of those who served this country with honour,” the statement read.
However, the department emphasised the need to clarify that the delays were caused by the budgetary constraints that currently affect it.
“It has become evident that the regulations governing the disbursement of the military veterans’ pension need to be reviewed. Once this process is complete, the department will resume the rollout of the military veterans’ pension, ensuring that deserving military veterans receive the financial assistance they are entitled to.”
Since the implementation of this benefit in November 2023, the department said over 4 378 military veterans have successfully received their military veterans’ pensions.
The department said it continues to work closely with the Government Pensions Administration Agency (GPAA) to process and pay new beneficiaries as they are verified.
“In the future, we appeal to military veterans to engage directly with the GPAA to check on the status of their applications and to raise any challenges so that they can be addressed timeously. We remain committed to upholding the dignity of all military veterans.”
Last week, the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans expressed concern at the ongoing challenges faced by military veterans, many of whom remain in limbo due to delays in receiving their service-related benefits.
The committee also expressed concerns regarding the DMV’s lack of a functioning internal audit unit, an essential tool for ensuring financial accountability and risk management.
“The committee highlighted the need for urgent intervention by the executive to turn around the DMV, starting with the appointment of a permanent Director-General, re-evaluating the organisational structure, addressing the findings of the Auditor-General, and developing a more responsive department.” – SAnews.gov.za
