The Deputy Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, Dr. Charles Mubita, emphasised the importance for lawmakers to be cognisant of the socio-economic conditions of veterans.

These include post-traumatic disorders, an increasing need for medical services, particularly for the ageing veteran population, and a request for resettlement.

Mubita said this when he motivated the over N$1.5 billion budget of the ministry.

"The ministry will conduct continuous monitoring and evaluation of the socio-economic services provided to veterans and strive to improve organisational performance. It is important to continue recognising the contributions and sacrifices made by the gallant sons and daughters of our land. This is evidenced by the independence, peace and tranquillity that we are enjoying today and the exercising of our democratic rights."

Mubita said that the bulk of the allocation of the budget will go toward the Veterans Welfare programme, which includes monthly subventions, welfare grants, lump-sum gratuities, medical assistance and psychological support.

This allocation will also cover the work of the Veterans Board, the Veterans Appeal Board, and the National Honours Advisory Committee.

Mubita clarified an error in the MTEF document, which appeared to allocate a smaller portion to veterans' welfare.

The Liberation Struggle Heritage programme, which seeks to preserve and promote Namibia's liberation history, will receive N$16.4 million.

"The main objective of the Liberation Struggle Heritage Programme is to ensure that the history of the liberation struggle of Namibia is kept alive. This is done through research and documentation, the collection and preservation of materials or artefacts, the identification and marking of sites where acts of the liberation struggle took place and the erection of monuments."

An additional N$89.2 million has also been allocated for policy coordination and support services to cover personnel and administrative costs.