Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has made a significant pledge to increase South Africa’s SASSA old-age grant to R4,500 per month should his party rise to power. During the EFF’s provincial manifesto launch in the North West province, Malema emphasized the importance of safeguarding social grants and enhancing financial support for pensioners under an EFF-led administration.
Malema criticized the African National Congress (ANC) for what he perceives as insufficient support for the elderly, arguing that pensioners, having contributed to the nation through taxes during their working years, deserve better. Currently, the old-age grant is set at R2,400 per month, with a slightly higher amount of R2,420 for beneficiaries over the age of 75. In addition to his criticism of the ANC, Malema expressed dissatisfaction with the R370 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, labeling it as inadequate, and advocated for a new grant dedicated to unemployed graduates.
The EFF leader reiterated his proposal for the R4,500 old-age grant increase during a speech in Mpumalanga. He highlighted the financial burden many pensioners face, as they often provide for their children and grandchildren. Malema argued that the government could afford this increase if public funds were managed more efficiently, underscoring the need for better allocation of resources in order to support the nation’s elderly population adequately.
As South Africa approaches the local government elections on November 4, social grants, unemployment, and the rising cost of living are expected to be pivotal issues in political campaigns. Malema’s promises reflect ongoing concerns about the economic challenges facing the country’s citizens, particularly the elderly, and aim to position the EFF as a party committed to addressing these critical issues.