Parliamentary speech by David Maynier MP, DA Shadow Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, December 12 2011:
MKMVA must give back the R5m
The Democratic Alliance (DA) believes that the Umkhonto We Sizwe Military Veterans Association (MKMVA) should immediately give back R5 million of taxpayer's money being spent on the Umkhonto We Sizwe's 50th anniversary celebrations on 16 December 2011.
The Military Veterans Department have reportedly confirmed that the R5 million will be spent on transport, accommodation and meals for participants at the anniversary celebrations, to be held at Orlando Stadium.
However, Ayanda Dlodo, General Secretary of the MKMVA, reportedly claimed that the R5million was not enough. There is every prospect that the Military Veterans Department will be squeezed for further funding by the MKMVA.
The MKMVA, under Kebby Maphatsoe, is in a shambles with the association's leadership being accused of "massive looting of funds" relating to fraud and theft of up to R7 million. When the MKMVA were not able to raise sufficient funds for their 50th anniversary celebrations they evidently turned to the Department of Military Veterans, for help.