Pensioners call for R3,000 SASSA grant as costs bite

A Western Cape pensioner who relies entirely on the SASSA Old Age Grant says the current payment of R2 400 a month is insufficient and is calling on government to raise it to R3 000. The woman, identified in reporting as Anne Westoby, lives alone and uses the grant mainly for food and groceries.

Monthly income stretched to the limit

Westoby has received the Older Persons Grant for more than five years. She is described as being in her late sixties and retired, fully reliant on the grant. When asked what remains at the end of each month, her response was blunt:

nothing.

She said rising food prices and the cost of living are her main concerns and told those who set grant amounts:

raise the pension.

Service, support and awareness

Despite her financial pressure, Westoby reported no difficulties with the grant system itself. The money arrives without complication, and she lives within five kilometres of local services, which spares her the transport costs that burden many rural recipients. Nevertheless, she rated SASSA’s overall service as poor.

Westoby was also unaware of additional support programmes she may qualify for, including food parcels, utility subsidies and other forms of relief.

Wider context: pressure on millions of pensioners

Reporting notes that South Africa has approximately 3.8 million Old Age Pension recipients. Many pensioners said the grant has not kept pace with the cost of living. The story highlights that staples such as bread, maize and cooking oil have been hit hardest by inflation.

The article also points out that pensioners who own their homes avoid rental costs but still face payments for rates, maintenance and utilities.

Call for contributions

According to The South African, if you receive a SASSA grant and want to share your story, the publication wants to hear from you. Take part in The South African’s SASSA grant survey and stand a chance to win R2 000, the outlet says.