The Director-General of the Department of Military Veterans Tshepe Motumi has on behalf of the department joined the nation and the world in wishing former President of the Republic of South Africa and the First commander in Chief of Umkhonto we Sizwe Nelson Rolihlahla Madiba Mandela a speedy recovery "Our prayers as the Department of Military Veterans and in deed the entire military veterans community of South Africa are with Madiba wishing him a speedy recovery".

As a military veteran par excellence Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela has and continue to make an invaluable contribution to reconciliation, freedom, democracy and nation building. He continues to be an inspiration to millions of military veterans across the globe and not least in our country to contribute to building peace and reconciliation amongst nation.

"That the Department of Military Veterans would bestow Nelson Mandela as an icon with the highest medal, The Platinum Class I, is but a singular testimony and recognition of his distinguished contribution and unprecedented leadership to the struggle for freedom and democracy".