South Africa’s Older Persons Grant currently provides R2 400 each month. However, many believe this amount no longer meets basic needs.
The grant remains one of SASSA’s most significant support programmes. For most recipients, it serves as their sole source of income.
Moreover, many pensioners support entire households. They often provide for grandchildren and unemployed relatives.
As a result, the monthly payment rarely covers all essential expenses.
Calls for a Worker-Funded Pension Boost
Many South Africans want more than a simple grant increase. Instead, some suggest new funding models. One Facebook user proposed compulsory worker contributions to strengthen pension support.
Ljmkhonza Mkhonza wrote on Facebook: “Let every worker contribute R100 from his/her salary every month as a law, for pensioners’ contribution… so that every pensioner would get a better pensioner’s pay, added to this R2400… every worker who is a registered worker.”
The proposal would require registered workers to contribute R100 monthly. With millions of formal workers, the plan could raise billions annually.
However, several obstacles remain. Authorities would need effective collection and monitoring systems.
In addition, agencies would face greater administrative responsibilities. Safeguards would also be necessary to prevent misuse of funds.
Pensioners Push for Higher Payments
While suggestions differed, one figure appeared repeatedly in public discussions. Many commenters argued that pensioners need at least R5 000 per month. Berry Mpumelelo Bosman Dlamini kept his response brief. He simply wrote on Facebook: “R5000.00”.
Others expressed frustration about rising living costs.
FP expressed deep frustration in Afrikaans on Facebook, writing that R5 000 is far too little for what pensioners actually receive, noting that the money is gone the same day it arrives because basic costs consume every cent immediately upon payment.
Meanwhile, some criticised annual grant increases as inadequate.
Lena Bester directed her frustration squarely at the presidency, writing on Facebook that pensioners are exhausted by the annual cycle of waiting for the budget, only to receive a negligible increase.
She argued that food, electricity, and water costs continue rising rapidly.
Consequently, many pensioners feel their purchasing power declines each year. Although grant amounts increase occasionally, living expenses rise much faster. Many older South Africans therefore believe the current system leaves them financially vulnerable.
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