Katima mulilo: Former combatants of the People’s Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN) in the Zambezi Region have urged the government to reassess the social and economic welfare of war veterans.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the call was made during an interview with the ex-combatants ahead of the upcoming Heroes Day commemoration set for August 26 at Katima Mulilo Sports Stadium. Georgina Mwiya, the Zambezi Region’s Coordinator for the Ex-PLAN Combatants’ Association, highlighted that over 100 members in the region are facing hardships and are unable to meet their living expenses.

Mwiya noted that many of the former combatants are elderly and suffer from health issues. She urged the government to revisit and enhance its programs designed to improve the social and economic welfare of recognized war veterans. Mwiya pointed out that the current monthly social grant of N.dollars 2,200, or N.dollars 6,200 for some, is insufficient to meet their needs.

She also suggested that the government expedite the promised one-time payment of N.dollars 170,000 for each war veteran. Mwiya, who joined the liberation struggle in Zambia in 1975 at the age of 16, emphasized the urgent need for these changes.

Another ex-PLAN combatant, Claudia Simataa, who served as a military radio operator in Zambia, echoed the call for improved living conditions for war veterans. She expressed concern about their inability to afford medical bills, as most lack medical aid.

Patrick Mwampole, another former combatant, also appealed to the government for an increase in the monthly social grants, stating that veterans struggle to afford their daily necessities.