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Military Veterans Act, 2011 (Act No. 18 of 2011)

3. Fundamental principles recognised by State, and policy objectives

 

(1) For the purposes of this Act,  the  following fundamental principles are recognised by the State as governing affairs relating to military veterans:
(a) Sacrifices made by military veterans in the service of or for their country or their role in the democratisation of South Africa are honoured;
(b) compensation to which military veterans may be entitled for disablement constitutes reparation and is, despite any provision to the contrary contained in any law, not a welfare benefit;
(c) in the event of a military veteran or category of military veterans being considered  for possible non-contributory  aid by  the State, such military veteran or category of military veterans must be subjected to a means test to determine their eligibility;
(d) special consideration must be given to benefit and relieve military veterans who suffer from physical or mental disability arising from military service rendered by them;
(e) disparities, inequalities or unfair discrimination as regards the benefits of military veterans and their dependants must be identified and, where possible, remedied;
(f) all organs of state or governmental  entities involved  with  military  veterans' affairs must cooperate with the Department  to ensure the achievement of the objects  of  this  Act  and,  within  their  available  resources, take  reasonable legislative and other measures to achieve the progressive realisation thereof; and
(g) no organ of state is committed or obliged to provide state aid or any other assistance to any military veteran other than through the existing legislative and administrative channels.

 

(2) Any policy regarding the affairs of military veterans must be aimed at—
(a) recognising and honouring military veterans in life and remembering them in death for their sacrifices on behalf of the nation;
(b) ensuring a smooth and seamless transition for military veterans from active military service to civilian life;
(c) restoring the capability of military veterans with disabilities to the greatest extent possible;
(d) improving the quality of life of military veterans and of their dependants;
(e) providing  a comprehensive  delivery system  of  benefits  and services for military veterans;
(f) ensuring that military veterans as a resource enhance the national work force and contribute to the prosperity and development of the country; and
(g) contributing toward reconciliation and nation building.