PARLIAMENT PRESENTATION HEARINGS ON THE DRAFT SPECIAL PENSIONS AMENDMENT BILL, 2008

1. PARLIAMENT PRESENTATION HEARINGS ON THE DRAFT SPECIALPENSIONS AMENDMENT BILL, 2008 10 JUNE, 2008 MKMVA SUBMISSION

2. INTRODUCTION • Opportunity to Present is much Appreciated. • It is important to acknowledge the fact that a significant number of the ex-combatants remain poverty stricken and vulnerable. • For the past 12 years (since 1996), many Military Veterans – particularly those from the liberation armies were unfairly excluded from a social intervention that would have made a difference, solely based on the fact that they were under 35 years old. • Going forward, of primary importance is an agreement that let’s all rededicate our capacity and strength in ensuring that we act in a way that is likely to positively act on the lives of as many as possible of the ex-combatants who remain excluded. • We further urge the committee to take note of the renewed commitment, as expressed by the 52nd ANC National Conference resolutions, to effectively redress the socio-economic plight of the Military Veterans. • Through this amendment South Africa has a unique opportunity to alleviate the wanting and desperate socio-economic plight of the majority of our military veterans, particularly ex-combatants. MKMVA PRESENTATION TO PARLIAMENT ON THE SPECIAL PENSION AMENDMENT 2008

3. Key Proposed Amendments Part 1A Right to Pension 6A bis. (a) 30 years minimum age requirement at commencement _______________________________________________________________________ 1. MKMVA contends that this cut of point does not adequately respond to the need. 2. In that a number of ex-combatants responded to the call not to submit but fight when they were generally younger. 3. Our contention is that this cut of point still does not respond adequately to the need as many ex-combatants would have still been younger than 30 years old in 1996. 4. It was mainly the young (Young Lions) who heeded the call by President Tambo in January, 1985 to render SA ungovernable and Apartheid system unworkable. 5. In so far as uMkhonto we Sizwe was concerned, the call by the then President Tambo was responded to by all. The criterion of 19 years old in 1985 did not apply. There are many former MK commanders and commissars who were in fact less than 19 years old in 1985. MKMVA PRESENTATION TO PARLIAMENT ON THE SPECIAL PENSION AMENDMENT 2008

4. MKMVA PRESENTATION TO PARLIAMENT ON THE SPECIAL PENSION AMENDMENT 2008

5. MKMVA PRESENTATION TO PARLIAMENT ON THE SPECIAL PENSION AMENDMENT 2008

6. MKMVA PRESENTATION TO PARLIAMENT ON THE SPECIAL PENSION AMENDMENT 2008