By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
SANMVA is an umbrella body for war veterans.
MKLWV National Commissar, Bobo Pemba says they believe they have been snubbed for nefarious reasons.
“We believe it is for nefarious reasons because of the fact that we have done everything legally to make sure that uMkhonto weSizwe is a part of South African National Military Veterans Association.”
Pemba described the association’s actions of listing the defunct MKMVA as a representative association of MK veterans, as political mischief.
He says the MKMVA was dissolved during the 2022 All-MK Unity Conference, and it was this resolution that birthed MKLWV and later in 2024, the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans formally affirmed this unity by writing to the Secretary General of SANMVA.
The umbrella organisation has recognised an organisation that was dissolved at a recent ANC veterans’ elective conference.
The leadership was nominated by the MKLWV at a joint conference from 27 April to 1 May 2022 at the East London International Convention Centre.
They are Dan Hato (Convener); Nonkonzo Molai (Deputy Convener); Mmottoman Nkosi (Coordinator); Nomfundiso Kulati (Deputy Coordinator); Lulamile Xate (Treasurer); Mbulelo Musi (National Political Commissar).
The leadership comes from various detachments and generations of the MKLWV including Luthuli, June 16, Moncada, Isandlwana Modinoge, Young Lions, SDU’S and Bani Molekwane.
The interim committee has committed to be accountable, transparent and based on good governance, fulfilling the following objectives:
- Engage immediately with unity efforts to bring all ex-MK cadres to the fold;
- Confirm and validate the principles and guidelines for the envisaged constitution. These include confirming the non-racial, non-sexist and inclusive nature of MK;
- Commence the process of developing the constitution and give feedback to all ex-MK cadres in provinces from July 2022;
- Profiling of the socioeconomic conditions of the ex-MK cadres from June 2022;
- To immediately roll out the heritage project as part of the 60th anniversary of MK, starting June 16 2022 to March 2023;
- To engage with Parliament and relevant portfolio committees on fast-tracking the legislative review and amendments;
- To establish provincial coordinating structures from July 2022;
- To immediately embark on a programme of stakeholder engagements to fast-track the pension payout;
- To immediately embark on the programme of renewal, unity and ensuring welfare is addressed; and
- Conduct an audit of all MK assets.
Pemba says they are demanding a formal public apology from the Secretary General of South African National Military Veterans Association for their snub.