Government has set aside R490-million to assist the National Military Veterans Association, the South African Broadcasting Corporation reported on Saturday.
Deputy Minster of Defence and Military Veterans Thabang Makwetla said the money will assist in providing health care services, housing and pension grants, the broadcaster reported.
Addressing the inaugural conference of the KwaZulu-Natal chapter of the South African National Military Veterans Association in Port Edward, Makwetla said skilled military veterans would also benefit from job opportunities in government projects.
Military trade unions have been in ongoing battles with the defence ministry regarding wage hikes.
In April the ministry decided they would have to find ways to generate income to supplement the department’s budget, which was unable to meet the demands it needed to. This included leasing land that belonged to the defence force to the private sector, as well as providing government departments with contractual help at a fee. — Sapa and M&G reporter