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Appoint a Military Veteran DG Immediately

Statement by Maliyakhe Shelembe MP – DA Deputy Spokesperson on Defence and Military Veterans:

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has written to Defence Minister Angie Motshekga demanding the immediate appointment of a permanent Director General for the Department of Military Veterans (DMV), a position left vacant since the resignation of Iren Mpolweni in 2024.

Despite the post being advertised in late 2024 and re-advertised in early 2025, no permanent appointment has been made. The DA has long warned that without leadership, the Military Veterans Act cannot be properly implemented, leaving veterans and their dependents without the support they were promised.

Our military veterans are being ignored by the very department meant to care for them. Many have been waiting for pensions, housing, and healthcare for over 15 years, yet the Minister turns a blind eye to those who dedicated their lives to protecting the Republic.

The current Acting Director General has long been ineffective, and even basic services, such as the DMV’s call centre, remain non-responsive. Veterans continue to report being treated without dignity, with queries and complaints going unanswered.

As we speak, these brave men and women go to bed with empty stomachs, are sick at home without access to healthcare, or have passed away while their families are plunged into poverty, all because the Minister has failed to act.

To date, the national database of military veterans remains incomplete, 15 years after it should have been finalised. Despite multiple ministers occupying the position since 2011, veterans are still waiting for their promised benefits.

The DA will continue to fight for our brave men and women and ensure they receive the benefits they are entitled to as our military veterans.

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