Supporting our Members

“When I met my husband in 1989, he was 37 years old. He had joined Rhodesian special forces as a career soldier when he was 17 years of age, and he had left the army at 31 years old.

He had never thought of a pension and was struggling to transition from army life to Civvy Street.

From a boy to a man, the army had fed him, clothed him, housed him, and cared for him. He partied on what they paid him, and that was all he knew.

Luckily, I had been taught differently, and now, at 70 years old, he is retired and has a medical aid and a pension that I saved towards whilst he was working.

When I became a committee member at the Selous Scouts Regimental Association a few years ago, I learned very quickly that he was one of the few lucky ones.

There are so many of our veterans in the unit who have not been able to cater to their old age. Once young, brave, and strong, they are now old, vulnerable, hungry, and sick. The ones in South Africa and Zimbabwe are the most challenged as there is little or no social welfare system to support them.

Two years ago, we began actively seeking out those who need grocery parcels and medical care, and we have set up a support structure to send groceries monthly and help when they need medical care.

We are pleased to say that we have just managed to extend this to our veterans in Zimbabwe, have sourced primary health care, and are setting up monthly food support.

The committee is always trying to think of creative ways to raise funds to help our members, but the majority of assistance comes from donations we receive from members and supporters and that allows us to continue this necessary work.

Providing essential assistance like groceries and medical care can make a huge difference in the lives of those who may otherwise be struggling. Your donations are truly making an impact and helping to ensure that these veterans receive the care and support they deserve in their old age.”

Selous Scouts Regimental Association Committee Member