Pensioner’s SASSA money vanishes to nothing by month-end – Here’s what he wants instead

Aaron Kibi has been receiving the SASSA Older Persons’ Grant for less than a year, and the retired homeowner says there’s one change he wants to see: an increase in the grant amount. Person’s Grant for less than a year, and the retired homeowner says there’s one change he wants to see: an increase in the grant.

Kibi, who lives in KwaZulu-Natal, receives R2 400 a month, paid directly into his Capitec Bank account. Between three and five people depend on that income each month, and Kibi says almost all of it goes toward food and groceries. By the end of each month, he says, there is nothing left over.

Despite the shortfall, Kibi confirmed that no one in his household has gone without food in the past month. He describes the grant as helpful, “but it is not enough” to fully cover his family’s basic needs.

Rising food prices remain his biggest worry

Kibi’s biggest financial concern right now is the cost of living, particularly the climbing food prices. He is one of roughly 18 million South Africans currently receiving a SASSA grant, many of whom report similar pressure as inflation continues to squeeze fixed incomes.

He has not applied for any additional government support, noting that he did not qualify for other assistance. Owning his own home offers some financial cushioning, but with several dependents relying on a single grant, Kibi says the money simply does not stretch far enough.

SASSA’s service gets a good review

Despite wanting a higher payout, Kibi praised the agency’s service delivery, rating its communication with recipients as “very good” and reporting no problems accessing his payments. Living under five kilometres from services, he avoids the added transport costs that burden recipients elsewhere.

Kibi believes the grant plays an important role beyond his own household. In his words, SASSA “assists in poverty alleviation and needy people”, a sentiment he says reflects why the system matters despite its shortcomings.

His story reflects a common theme among grant recipients: a system that runs smoothly on the administrative side but leaves many pensioners counting rands before the month is out.

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