03 Jul 2017

Department of Social Protection in collaboration with Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League (RCEL) recently donated money to the Botswana Veterans League in Molepolole in an effort to ensure World War II veterans were looked after.

Addressing WWII veterans, Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Ms Botlogile Tshireletso said government recognised the sacrifice made by the veterans, hence the introduction of a safety net for them and their widows in the form of cash allowance amounting to P550 and a P430 old pension allowance to afford them a dignified life.

“We are here to honour our heroes, to remember their achievements, their courage and their dedication as well as to thank them for their sacrifices. These funds will be able to provide adequately for their basic needs such as food and welfare,” she said.

She appealed to care takers to ensure that the funds were used prudently and expressed gratitude to the RCEL for the noble gesture for striving to enhance the wellbeing of the veterans.

The veterans received P138 964.51 from the Royal league translating to P1 985 when shared amongst the 70 veterans registered in Botswana.

In his address, a representative from Royal Commonwealth Ex-Service League based in Britain, Lt. Col Nigel Grandfield noted that their organisation had membership spanning 57 countries that were formerly British colonies.

He revealed that it was Botswana’s first year as member and were committed to making sure that they too benefit from the organisation funding.

“For the coming years we have major priorities as an organisation and the first one is to make sure that funds are sourced and medical assistance is provided to all the veterans who have lost sight due to old age,” he said.

The other important issue that we want to take heed of is to make sure that the widows of the veterans are also taken care of even after the passing of the veterans said Lt. Col Dransfield.

He said they would be making an annual payment to the Botswana Veterans League as a way of making sure that the veterans were guaranteed a meal a day for the rest of their lives, because they sacrificed a lot for the peace being enjoyed today.

Chairperson of Botswana veterans league, Mr Neil Mortan noted that they would make sure that all veterans received what was due to them and towards the end of the year they would start mobilising donations and the funds would be allocated accordingly to the veterans.

The launch and handover ceremony was graced by WWII veterans from as far as  Kgatleng, Southern and Kweneng districts. ENDS