Military veterans are architects of the future: Mashatile
Mashatile says uMkhonto weSizwe cannot remain a passive observer in the ANC.
African National Congress (ANC) Deputy President, Paul Mashatile, says failing to preserve and elevate the legacy of war veterans runs the risk of erasing the very fabric of the country’s democracy.
Mashatile says that the veterans are not relics of the past, but architects of the future.
He says the uMkhonto weSizwe Liberation War Veterans (MKLWV) cannot remain a passive observer in the ANC as they have helped shape the party.
He also expressed concern about the veterans’ lack of access to improved healthcare, housing and economic opportunities.
Mashatile was speaking at the MKLWV Conference in Bloemfontein in the Free State where new leadership for the association will be elected.
“No military veteran should suffer in our democracy. We can never repay what they have contributed to this country; and it is unfortunate that they have frequent service delivery challenges while their sacrifices have defined the freedoms we cherish today. It is therefore our duty as the government to make sure that you are taken care of and receive the necessary support and assistance you need to live fulfilling and dignified lives.”
Meanwhile, the MKLWV says it is working on strengthening the alliance between the ANC and the South African Communist Party (SACP).
The veterans’ national convener, Dan Hatto, says they welcome the SACP’s decision to contest the 2026 local government elections independently.
He however says the history of the SACP and ANC will bring them back together.
“People out there are stressed. It’s the economy, lack of housing, it’s the lack of delivery from municipalities…and those things can be done, and we believe that as members of Umkhonto, who are highly trained, we can be in a position to bring the leadership together…this is what this conference is going to be doing. We are not only here to discuss about our benefits.”
Today we honoured the pathfinders of uMkhonto weSizwe. These are members of the Luthuli Detachment, whose pioneering spirit occupies a unique place in South Africa’s liberation history as a symbol of bravery against tremendous odds.#MKLWVConference2026#YearOfDecisiveAction pic.twitter.com/EyLC1XPx0E
— ANC – African National Congress (@MYANC) January 16, 2026
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