The DA expresses deep disappointment with Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Thandi Modise, for her apparent lack of commitment in compensating the 822 men and women who serve in the Reserve Force and as Military Veterans. These individuals were called upon to support efforts during the July Unrest in 2021.
The South African Army, along with these dedicated individuals, was deployed to assist the South African Police Services in managing the unrest and restoring stability to the affected areas of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng Provinces.
On March 11, 2022, I submitted a written inquiry to the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, seeking clarification on whether she was aware of the 822 men and women in the Reserve Force and Military Veterans who responded to President Ramaphosa’s call to report for duty at the Umzimvubu Military Base during the July riots in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. These individuals have yet to receive their deserved compensation. Additionally, I inquired about the Minister’s intentions to initiate an investigation into this matter.
In her response on May 4, 2022, she acknowledged being informed of the situation and confirmed that the South African Defence Force and the South African Army had already commenced an investigation to address and resolve this matter. She further stated that the outcome and recommendations of the Board of Inquiry would be submitted to her upon conclusion.
It has been over a year, and we are still awaiting action from the Minister. Unfortunately, some of the individuals from the Reserve Force and Military Veterans who have been awaiting compensation since July 2021 have passed away. This serves as evidence that the Minister is not taking this matter seriously.
On April 19, 2023, the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans received a report from the Board of Inquiry, endorsing the findings and recommendations, which were subsequently forwarded to the Chief of the South African Defence Force for a final decision. The recommendations clearly state that all the men and women from the Reserve Force and Military Veterans who reported for duty at Umzimvubu Military Base should be considered for compensation.
We are now in June 2023, and the Minister remains silent. This situation is highly unjust. We question whether the Minister’s lack of urgency is due to her personal immunity from the consequences faced by these individuals.
The DA has once again written a letter to the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, demanding the immediate implementation of the Board of Inquiry’s recommendations. We will continue to exert our efforts to ensure that the rights of the Reserve Force and Military Veterans are duly recognized.
Be part of the mission to rescue South Africa, register correctly to vote now at check.da.org.za