Revamp the process for veteran status

Lukas Jahrs writes from Tses:

Further to a cursory perusal of the state of affairs with regard to the according of so-called veteran status in Namibia, I herewith wish to put the following on record. I am really very disappointed with the handling of the whole exercise, especially for some of us who were fighting from inside the country.

We were directly in constant contact with the enemy, being the South African Defence Force, Koevoets and the Security Force etc. whilst some of our comrades, especially the leadership were enjoying a luxury life in hotels outside the country. We were being terrorized and beaten up on a daily basis and lived as strangers in our own country.

The liberation struggle was nothing strange for the people of Vaalgras. They were labelled as staunch supporters of Swapo by the colonial apartheid regime and monitored closely. The regional activism to join Swapo climaxed in October 1976 when the likes of late Rev. Dr. Hendrik Witbooi, the then Swapo President inside the country, Hon. Stephanus Goliath of Berseba, Chief Joël Stephanus of Vaalgras and the then Chief of Hoachanas, Chief H. !Noeteb converged at Gibeon to pledge their support to Swapo.

These chiefs joined Swapo with the full backing of their subjects. The significance of the Gibeon meeting was to strengthen Swapo's support base in southern Namibia and advanced its status as the "sole and authentic representative of the Namibian people".

The very first Swapo Hall was built at Vaalgras during those years. This Hall was recently used by the Vaalgras Primary School as classroom when the school's roofs were blown off. It is mind-boggling and disheartening that the contributions that some of the people of Vaalgras made are not recognized.

The according of veterans' status was started very haphazardly. It was granted to every "Jack and Jill" and now that it has come to the real, legitimate and authentic veterans, there is no money. The contemporaries of Vaalgras of that time organized "Swapo braais" and established sections and branches under difficult circumstances during those bitter days. Some were taking the risk to harbour well known Swapo fore-runners and leaders in their houses, but today are regarded as nothing.

I was present when Cde. Hendrik April was shot to death by a white man at Asab, whilst we were on our way to Gibeon for a Swapo meeting. I was one of the people who rushed Cde. April to Gibeon Clinic. Some of the Comrades who rushed the victim to hospital, like Messrs. Johannes Barman, Ida Jimmy !Ha-airos and Jonathan Goliath are great veterans today, an opportunity that I have been denied for reasons known to those who are doing that only.

It's an indisputable fact that the people of Vaalgras have played a tremendous role and made immense contributions. To the extent that many of our sons and daughters died in exile, without any reparations and/or reward.

I have applied to be accorded veteran status, but it was turned down and I have filed appeals two times, without any success. I was even demanding to go and see Cde. President Dr. Hage Geingob, but was told that I will never be afforded the opportunity to meet with him.

The handling of the process is roguish, virulent, obscene and obnoxious and I therefore urge those at the pinnacle of the exercise to have a serious re-look at the process. Let's find a solution without castigating any one based on political grounds and personal vendettas.

I'm well aware of the role and influence of the Vaalgras Traditional Authority leadership in according veterans status. Even people who did not deserve it was given preference, because they are staunch supporters of the Vaalgras revolt, spearheaded by the Vaalgras Interim Committee.

I will fail in my duty, if I don't take a swipe at those representing //Kharas Region on the Appeal Board. They are complacent and selfish. So, I recommend and advise that this whole exercise needs a total revamp. Some people are still waiting for their N$200 000.00 pay-outs, whilst some has died already. This is ludicrous and unacceptable.

Give to us what we deserve, because we still have a long way to go and will need each other. Rectify and expedite the process fairly.