‘Free electricity and water’: Pensioners’ demand goes beyond R5000 SASSA grant call
· The South African
A wave of comments on a recent SASSA-related article has reignited calls for the government to significantly increase the old-age grant. One commenter stated plainly that the pension should be lifted to R5 000 a month, a substantial jump from current levels, arguing that existing amounts don’t cover the basic cost of living for elderly South Africans.
The pension increase wasn’t the only demand. The same commenter called for free electricity and water to be extended to old age pensioners, effectively treating these utilities as a basic right for the elderly rather than a billable service. Other users echoed the sentiment, with one arguing that the country’s wealth should be shared more equally across society regardless of the economic challenges South Africa faces.
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Penalties and debit order fees under fire too
Adding to the list of grievances, another reader raised concerns about penalty fees charged when debit orders bounce, suggesting pensioners should be shielded from these charges as well. The comments paint a picture of pensioners who feel increasingly squeezed, not just by the size of their grant, but by every additional cost layered on top of it, from utilities to banking penalties.
It remains to be seen whether these demands will feature in future budget discussions. The South African will continue to track developments regarding pension increases and utility relief for the elderly.
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