‘Give pensioners R5000’: Beneficiaries demand SASSA old-age grant overhaul

Anger is mounting among South African pensioners over the R2 400 Old Age Grant, with many arguing the amount no longer matches the real cost of living.

Commenting on the article, Carol Thorpe didn’t hold back. “Why do they do this to our pensioners. If I receive money from my daughter, because this R2400 is nothing compared to the high living cost,” she wrote, speaking to The South African’s Facebook page.

Thorpe went further, suggesting the government redirect funds from younger grant recipients toward older people. “Why doesn’t the government take that money and up the old age pension, give our pensioners R5000, we deserve it,” she said.

Comparisons of the old-age grant to other grants spark debate

Several commenters echoed the sentiment that pensioners are being short-changed compared to younger beneficiaries. The comparison between the Old Age Grant and the R370 Social Relief of Distress grant has become a recurring flashpoint in the comments section, with many arguing that the country’s oldest citizens deserve priority.

Furthermore, for many commenters, the frustration isn’t only about money, it’s about respect. The conversation has struck a nerve among pensioners who feel their decades of contribution to the country are being overlooked in favour of newer support programmes.

The debate shows no signs of slowing down, with pensioners across the country calling for SASSA and the government to reconsider how the Old Age Grant is calculated and adjusted each year.

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