Benoni – As Remembrance Month approaches, members of the South African Legion of Military Veterans Benoni Branch are reaching out to the community to support local veterans who served during the South African Border War.

At the peak of the conflict in 1988, it is estimated that 71 000 troops from the South African Defence Force (SANDF), South-West African Territorial Force (SWATF) and South West Africa Police (SWAPOL) were deployed to Angola and Namibia. Over the 24-year war, countless lives were lost, bodies were maimed, and many were left with lasting psychological scars.

Today, an estimated 40 SANDF veterans live in Benoni, many in poverty-stricken conditions. To support them, legion members have been collecting non-perishable food and donations at local shopping centres in exchange for ornate Poppies.

“Deployed as young men, the veterans in our care left their homes and families to serve and protect the citizens of South Africa,” said Laraine Hurly, who was manning a Poppy collection at Pick n Pay Sheridan Centre in Farrarmere.

“Upon their return, broken and mentally scarred, they were expected to integrate back into society, earn a living, and continue as normal. Some adapted better than others, but many slipped through the cracks, living without hope.”

Graeme Hurly added that the legion’s ongoing collections and outreach projects aim to support these forgotten soldiers.

“As we prepare to pay tribute to those who took up arms, we must not forget those who were not able to recover from the trauma they endured. The war may be long forgotten, but we have a duty to care for these souls.”

The Hurlys urged Benonians to wear Poppy pins with pride on Remembrance Day (November 11) and, where possible, observe a moment of silence at 11:00 to honour the fallen.

Poppy Day collections will again take place on November 8, from 09:00 to noon at the following outlets:
• Pick ‘n Pay (Oakfields, Lakefield and Sheridon Centre)
• Super Spar The Falls and Falls Pharmacy
• Heckers Nursery Westwood

For more information about the South African Legion of Military Veterans Benoni Branch, contact Jenny Grief on 072 259 9520 or Moira Hodgkinson on 076 781 7488.

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