News

Millions in Gauteng Military Veterans Funding Go to 1990s-Born Directors

Published

2 months ago

August 11, 2025

Chiraag

Gauteng military veterans funding scandal, R3.5 million to young directors, SACR spending controversy, DA investigation demand, misuse of public funds, Joburg ETC

A Gauteng programme meant to support military veteran-owned businesses is under scrutiny after millions were paid to company directors too young to have served before democracy.

The Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation (SACR) confirmed in a written reply to the provincial legislature that R8.5 million was allocated to companies owned by military veterans in the 2023-24 and 2024-25 financial years. At least R3.5 million of that went to directors born in or after 1990, well past the legal cut-off for veteran status.

Who qualifies as a veteran?

Under the Military Veterans Act, a veteran must have served in a recognised military organisation before 27 April 1994. This means anyone born after that date, or who was still a child then, is not eligible.

Despite this, records show funding to:

R147 700 for language services to a director born in 1995.
R45 000 for a transformation programme from an owner born in 1992.
R966 000, R405 000, and R486 000 for tablets, events, and sports competitions to directors born in 1990, 1991, and 1996.
Five other payments totalling R1.5 million for logistics and capacity building to individuals born between 1990 and 1995.

SACR’s explanation

SACR MEC Matome Chiloane said these were not formal contracts but part of a targeted support programme linked to performance indicators. The department aimed for 3% of its spending to go to veteran-owned companies in the last financial year, up from 1% the year before.

Opposition demands answers

DA Shadow MEC Kingsol Chabalala accused the department of diverting public funds from legitimate job creation. He said some beneficiaries were “far too young” to be classified as veterans and called for a transparent investigation.

“This is a blatant abuse of procurement processes,” Chabalala said. “It exploits the legacy of veterans to enrich individuals who do not qualify.”

Why it matters

The controversy is fuelling broader concerns about oversight and accountability in government support programmes. For critics, the issue is not just the money spent, but protecting the integrity of initiatives meant to honour and assist genuine veterans.