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. |