[1][2][3] The purpose of the act is to recognise and honour military veterans for the sacrifices that they have made on behalf of the nation.
It also aims to assist military veterans to transition from active service to civilian life.
Furthermore, it aims to provide benefits and services to the veterans and ensure that they can contribute to the development of the country.
[1][4] In February 2014 it was reported that the Department of Military Veterans would remove about 16,000 names from its list of military veterans as the department had decided that the Act did not apply to former conscripts of the South African Defence Force, and could only apply to those who served in the "old defence force" if they were permanent and professional soldiers.
[5] Subject to their eligibility for benefits, the Act allows for the compensation of veterans who, as a result of their military service, suffer from a disability or terminal illness, or who have sustained severe psychological and neuro-psychiatric trauma.
[6] The council was established in October 2013 with a president and six executive members representing Umkhonto we Sizwe (2 members on the executive), the Council of Military Veterans Organisations, the former Bophuthatswana Defence Force, Azanian National Liberation Army, and the Azanian People's Liberation Army.
It further is allowed at the request of the Minister or Director-General, or on its own initiative, to make recommendations or give advice on all matters that concern the veterans or their dependants.
[1] Decisions are determined by the majority finding of the board which consists of three individuals appointed by the Minister in consultation with the National Military Veterans' Association.