Former liberation soldiers are voicing their deep disappointment over the prolonged delays in receiving their military veterans pensions. These ex-fighters, who left their families to battle in foreign lands against apartheid, now find themselves in dire straits, begging for support from the very government they helped bring to power. At least 300 former combatants from the ANC’s Umkhonto we Sizwe, the PAC’s liberation army APLA, and AZANLA from Azapo, applied for their pensions in 2023 but have yet to receive any payments, leading to severe hardships including days without food and an inability to send children to school.
These veterans recount how they ventured into unknown territories where their parents had never set foot, ready to pay the ultimate price to liberate South Africa from the yoke of apartheid. Tragically, figures like Chris Hani never lived to witness the democracy they fought for. Today, while a few hold positions of power, the majority languish in poverty, reliant on handouts such as the military veterans pension to survive.
Howard Kulur, who represents nearly 300 of these former soldiers, highlights the frustration over the unfulfilled promises. Despite being informed that the waiting period after application is 90 days, they have received no notification on payment timelines almost two years later. “Um, I have a list of 300 military veterans from 2023 have not received their pension, their military veterans pension. Why I’m here is that the minister to pay the 195 million which he claimed in parliament that it’s unspent for military veteran pension that the money to be spent on those military veteran as of from today moving forward as soon as possible military veterans need those pension monies,” Kulur stated emphatically.
The pain is compounded by the sense of betrayal, as these selfless sacrifices have reduced proud fighters to beggars. Another veteran, Mulo, expressed the heartbreak: “We have to beg the department. We have to beg for individuals and here we are saying we’re military veteran who have fought for this country and really that’s really it’s not on at all that I have to go to the department of military and beg for what is there that I need to benefit. Now as I say it’s very disheartening that there as military veterans who are not taken care of.”
The military veterans pension, legislated under the Military Veterans Act of 2011, was rolled out in November 2023 following the promulgation of regulations in October that year. Administered by the Government Pensions Administration Agency on behalf of the Department of Military Veterans, the benefit provides a monthly payout of around R5 400 to eligible veterans, often topping up existing social grants for those who qualify. This amount aims to restore dignity and improve quality of life for those who served with honour, including healthcare access, subsidised public transport, burial support, and educational bursaries for dependants.
However, the rollout has been marred by significant challenges. Over 19 000 applications have been received since applications opened on Freedom Day in April 2023, but progress has been slow. By early 2024, only 268 qualifying veterans had received payments, prompting concerns about the pace. Although the number has since risen to over 4 378 beneficiaries who have collectively received more than R217 million, thousands remain in limbo. Some approved applicants have not been paid due to missing banking details, with letters and messages sent to prompt updates.
Budgetary constraints have been cited as a primary cause for the delays. The department has had to review the regulations governing disbursements, leading to a temporary halt in new payments. This review is essential to ensure sustainability amid fiscal pressures, including a recent R51 million budget cut. For the 2025/26 financial year, an allocation of R878 million has been set aside, with plans to intensify the rollout and target 9 600 deserving veterans or dependants by 2027/28, incorporating a means test to verify eligibility.
Underspending has further exacerbated the issue. In the 2023/24 financial year, the department spent only 69% of its budget, returning R250 million to the National Treasury, of which R159 million was earmarked for pensions. Only 615 veterans were paid against a target of 2 000, highlighting inefficiencies. Operational hurdles, such as high vacancy rates, database inaccuracies, and reliance on other agencies for verification, have compounded the problems. The national military veterans database is undergoing cleansing, with verification efforts resuming in provinces like North West and planned for Free State.
Parliamentary oversight has brought these issues into sharp focus. Committees have expressed deep concern over the continued delays, noting that veterans have waited more than a year for benefits. The absence of a permanent Director-General has undermined accountability and decision-making, while a dysfunctional organisational structure and lack of a functioning internal audit unit have hampered financial management. Lawmakers have called for urgent executive intervention, including appointing a permanent leader, re-evaluating the structure, and addressing auditor findings to prevent further unspent funds.
Disparities in benefit distribution have also surfaced, with liberation struggle veterans from groups like Umkhonto we Sizwe and the Azanian People’s Liberation Army facing greater hurdles compared to former statutory force members, such as those from the old South African Defence Force. The latter often benefit from easier verification due to official records, leading to perceptions of unequal treatment. Many liberation fighters, including those injured in conflicts like Angola, struggle with complex processes and feel neglected, some even facing homelessness despite their contributions.
Beyond pensions, other benefits show mixed progress. Healthcare has been provided to 17 638 veterans, and over 3 600 bursaries issued for dependants’ education. However, housing delivery remains slow, with delays in projects and complications for veterans married to foreign nationals. Employment placements and public transport subsidies are limited, and legal delays in handling staff suspensions have cost millions.
Individual stories underscore the human cost. One veteran applied in November 2023, submitting all documents, but received no feedback. Another, waiting since early 2023, highlighted the lack of updates, while appeals for medical benefits have been rejected without response. These accounts reflect widespread frustration, with calls for alternative ways to track applications and ensure timely communication.
The Acting Head of Communication at the Department of Military Veterans has acknowledged the pain and frustration: “We are aware of concerns raised by a group of military veterans regarding delays in the displacement of the military veterans pension. We acknowledge the hardship faced by military veterans and recognize their frustration. This benefit is a vital intervention aimed at restoring dignity and improving the quality of life of those who serve this country with honor.”
He emphasised that the delays stem from the need to review regulations due to budgetary constraints: “It is important to clarify the following. Due to the budgetary constraints under which the department currently finds itself, it has become evident that the regulations governing the dispersment of the military veterans pension need to be reviewed. Once this process is complete, the department will resume the roll out of the military veterans pension, ensuring that deserving military veterans receive the financial assistance that they are entitled to.”
The department is collaborating with the Government Pensions Administration Agency to process verified beneficiaries and urges veterans to engage directly for status checks. Deputy Minister Richard Hlophe has committed to corrective actions, while Minister Angie Motshekga oversees efforts to honour fallen fighters through projects like exile repatriation.

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