Pensioners press for R5 000 grant as SASSA cites budget process

Eight South African provinces saw nationwide protests by Pensioners of South Africa (POSA) demanding that the Older Persons Grant be raised from R2 400 to R5 000 per month. Members of the National Assembly’s Portfolio Committee on Social Development joined political parties in backing the request. Provincial ActionSA chairperson Dereleen James and mayoral candidate called for a thorough review of the grant and greater parliamentary and public scrutiny of social development spending.

James emphasized that the current grant is insufficient to meet basic living costs, citing cases where pensioners must choose between necessities like food, electricity, transport and medication. She urged the government to adjust the grant value based on actual living expenses and poverty thresholds, and demanded stronger oversight of the Department of Social Development and the National Treasury, as well as safeguards against fraud, exploitation and administrative obstacles.

Founder of POSA, JC Chef Alex, lamented that older South Africans have contributed significantly to the nation’s development yet struggle to survive on the meager grant. POSA’s campaign gained traction after a protest outside SASSA offices in July, highlighting issues such as frozen grant accounts, lengthy wait times, system failures and delays in issuing cards.

SASSA, the agency responsible for administering the grant, stated that adjusting grant amounts is a matter for the government’s budgeting process, led by the National Treasury, and is contingent on available public funds and parliamentary approval. While SASSA promised to review the grant value once formally approved, it could not confirm any imminent decision.

The organization’s online petition, which has garnered 33,206 signatures, underscores the widespread support for the grant increase.