Social grant increase 'not enough' to sustain country’s elderly

The association’s CEO, Femada Shanam, said that while every cent counts, the rising cost of living has not spared the elderly, and the R10 increase will not improve their standard of living. 

 The South African Social Security Agency recently increased the old age grant from R2,200 to R2,210. 

The war veteran's grant also increased from R2,200 to R2,210.

“We have situations where elderly people choose not to eat because they can’t afford to pay for their daily expenses. It really is of concern that the increase is not enabling them to live a life of dignity,” said Shanam.

She said the grants’ purpose is poverty alleviation, and given the country’s staggering unemployment rate, it often serves as the sole source of income in many households.

“This is especially true when you consider people in the township setting. Therefore, while the increase is appreciated, it does not meet the larger financial demand faced by many older people in the country.”

Shanam wants the government to pay more attention to the plight of the elderly, saying the increase in grants alone is not enough. 

She said alternative measures are needed to support the elderly, such as discounts on groceries and essential services.

“These should be targeted at elders living in the community as well as older people living in sheltered accommodation and especially shelters provided by NGOs,” Shanam added.

She believes discounts could make a huge difference if various government departments work together to make them accessible.

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