Dear Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans, My name is Norman Malatjie, a military veteran. I applied for pension last year in October 2023, but my application was only captured in March, 2024. Since then, I have been making enquiries almost on weekly basis, but to no avail. Each time I called, was informed that my application is at the verification stage. However, the question I want to ask is: How long does the verification process take. I am currently 61 years, and next year in May, I will be turning 62. I am also a chronic patient, battling diabetes and hypertension, and therefore, it becomes a challenge to meet my dietary needs, due to lack of funds.