Campaigners Demand R600 Increase in South Africa’s Old Age Grant

Concerns have been raised over the adequacy of South Africa’s current old-age grant, with campaigners arguing that the amount provided by the government is insufficient to cover even the basic living expenses of elderly citizens.

The submission was made during public hearings on the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement by a campaign group known as Math is not Mathing, represented by campaigner Geraldine Prinsloo.

The group is calling for a R600 increase to the current monthly old-age grant of R2,400, arguing that pensioners are struggling to cope with the rising cost of living.

During the presentation, the campaigners challenged lawmakers to explain how elderly South Africans are expected to afford essential necessities, including food, electricity, housing, transport and chronic medication, with the current government support.

They stressed that older citizens face increasing financial pressure as the cost of basic goods and services continues to rise, leaving many struggling to maintain a decent standard of living.

The group believes that increasing the grant by R600 would provide much-needed relief to pensioners who depend on government assistance to meet their daily needs.

The submission has renewed discussions about the financial challenges facing elderly South Africans and whether the current social grant system adequately reflects the cost of living.

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