Hertta-Maria Amutenja
Deputy minister of defence and veterans affairs Charles Mubita has revealed that 12 702 veterans of the liberation struggle are still waiting for their approved benefits, more than a decade after the programme began.
Responding to questions from Nudo member of parliament Vetaruhe Kandorozu in the National Assembly last week, Mubita said the ministry has paid out N$2.52 billion to 13,398 veterans since the start of the programme in the 2011/2012 financial year.
“Out of the 33,500 veterans, 13,398 have been paid at an amount totalling N$2,52 million, while 12,702 are yet to be paid,” he said.
He said delays are due to budget constraints, and that the ministry follows a “First In-First Out” system, meaning those who applied earlier are prioritised.
The ministry offers cash payments of N$170,000, replacing the original individual project approach.
“This means that if a veteran had applied in 2011, they are considered for the cash payment ahead of someone who had applied in 2013 or after,” Mubita explained.
In the 2023/2024 financial year, 587 veterans received payments.
The number rose to 1,798 in the 2024/2025 financial year.
Mubita said increasing this number is a priority, and that the ministry is working with the ministry of finance to improve annual budget allocations.
Kandorozu asked why approved veteran projects from over ten years ago were never funded and whether the allocated funds are reaching the intended beneficiaries.
Mubita rejected the claims, saying the money is being used for monthly financial support, medical care, and funeral assistance.
“It is rather unfortunate to suggest the money allocated to the veterans is not reaching them. I would like to urge you to try and access our ministry’s accountability reports so that you are informed in terms of how this money is spent,” he said.
He added that the ministry has consistently received clean audits from the office of the auditor general.
On the issue of stagnant monthly financial assistance, Mubita said the ministry is aware of veterans’ concerns and is reviewing the amount.
“We do acknowledge the amount has been static and we have heard the veterans’ outcry. This amount is stated in the law and is a subject of review. We are looking at the possibility of an inflationary increase, should resources permit,” he said.
Kandorozu also questioned whether the ministry is intentionally delaying payments in hopes that some veterans may pass away before receiving their benefits.
Mubita rejected the accusation as misleading and offensive.
“This insinuation is a serious misrepresentation of facts, loaded with mischief. The matter of the veterans for the struggle for national liberation is sensitive. I would suggest we try to avoid using it to score political points,” he said.
