Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has pledged to raise South Africa’s SASSA old-age grant to R4,500 per month should his party assume power. During the EFF’s provincial manifesto launch in North West, Malema emphasized that an EFF-led administration would ensure the protection of social grants and enhance financial assistance for pensioners. He criticized the African National Congress (ANC) for what he considers insufficient support for the elderly, highlighting that these individuals have contributed to the nation through taxes during their working years.
Currently, the old-age grant provides R2,400 per month, with those over 75 receiving R2,420. Malema also took aim at the R370 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, labeling it as inadequate, and advocated for the introduction of a new grant specifically aimed at unemployed graduates. While addressing a gathering in Mpumalanga, Malema reiterated his proposal for the R4,500 old-age grant, underscoring that many pensioners are financially supporting their children and grandchildren.
According to Malema, the government could feasibly afford this increase in the old-age grant if public funds were managed more efficiently. This proposal comes as part of a broader critique of the current administration’s financial allocations, which Malema argues could be optimized to better support the nation’s most vulnerable populations.
Social grants, unemployment, and the escalating cost of living are poised to be significant topics as South Africa’s political parties gear up for the local government elections scheduled for November 4. Malema’s promises and critiques are part of a broader strategy to address these pressing issues, as parties vie for votes and seek to appeal to the electorate’s concerns over economic stability and support systems.