Pensioners demand R5,000 SASSA old-age grant, say R2,400 is insufficient

Pensioners across South Africa are voicing anger over the R2 400 Old Age Grant, saying the amount no longer matches rising living costs and calling for a substantial increase.

Pensioners push for a R5,000 grant

Online reaction to the current grant level has been emphatic. Commenting on The South African’s Facebook page, one contributor urged a major uplift to the payment.

“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,”

That commenter, identified as Carol Thorpe in the piece, also suggested redirecting funds from younger grant recipients toward older people, saying:

“Why doesn’t the government take that money and up the old age pension, give our pensioners R5000, we deserve it,”

Comparisons with other grants fuel debate

The article notes the comparison between the Old Age Grant and the R370 Social Relief of Distress grant has become a recurring point of contention among commenters, with many arguing South Africa’s oldest citizens should be prioritised.

For several contributors, the frustration extends beyond money to a sense of respect: they say pensioners’ decades of contribution are being overlooked in favour of newer support programmes.

Calls for recalculation and adjustment

Commenters are urging SASSA and the government to reconsider how the Old Age Grant is calculated and adjusted each year, and the online debate shows no sign of slowing.

Reader engagement and surveys

According to The South African, readers who receive a SASSA grant are invited to take part in a survey and can stand a chance to win R2 000. The publication also promoted a separate Winter Reader Survey offering a R5 000 prize.

Reporting draws on comments published by The South African.