South Africans are calling for a major increase to the Older Persons Grant, with some saying the current amount falls far short of what pensioners need to live with dignity.
The comments came in response to a post on The South African’s Facebook page, where grant recipients and their supporters shared what they believe a fair monthly payment should look like.
The Older Persons Grant currently pays R2 400 per month to recipients aged 60 and older.
The R6 000 call by pensioners
John Berry put forward one of the boldest suggestions in the thread, calling for the grant to more than double and for the payment cycle to change.
“Make it R6 000 rand per month on a 28-day cycle for old age pensioners this would provide them with a living income and a form of dignity,” Berry wrote.
His comment drew reactions from other users, with several showing support for the idea that pensioners deserve more than basic survival.
A 28-day cycle would mean 13 payments a year instead of 12, giving pensioners an extra payout annually on top of the higher amount Berry proposed.
‘Even if we could start off with 3000’
Not everyone aimed as high. Willie Doyer took a more modest approach, suggesting that even a smaller increase would make a difference for older persons.
“Even if we could start with R3 000,” Doyer wrote.
For many older South Africans who rely on the grant as their main source of income, that amount could cover essentials such as electricity, transport or medication.
Doyer’s comment reflects a sentiment shared by many grant recipients: a gradual increase would be welcome, even if a living income remains out of reach for now.
Pressure on the cost of living
The calls for a higher grant come as older persons continue to face rising costs for food, electricity and transport.
Many pensioners support not only themselves but also grandchildren and unemployed family members, which stretches the monthly grant even further.
SASSA grant amounts are set by National Treasury and usually adjust each year during the national Budget, with increases taking effect in April.
Until then, pensioners will continue to make do with the current amount while voicing their hopes for a bigger payout.
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