CONCERNS have been raised by the DA ahead of eThekwini’s full council meeting on Thursday, December 3, which is expected to clarify the status and delivery of the long-awaited senior citizen vouchers to ward councillors.

DA eThekwini executive committee member, councillor Yogis Govender, said the annual rollout of senior citizen vouchers has increasingly become a source of frustration for residents and councillors.

“Ward councillors across the municipality face significant challenges in managing expectations and ensuring equitable distribution, compounded by the lack of a confirmed rollout date from the Speaker’s Office and the limited number of vouchers available,” said Govender.

Ward 33 councillor Fran Kristopher said she has been inundated with requests and enquiries from residents. Her ward has been allocated 500 vouchers, far fewer than the more than 5 000 pensioners who reside in the area. “Unfortunately, it’s impossible for everyone to receive a voucher. Once the 500 vouchers are handed out, no additional vouchers will be issued,” said Kristopher.

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For many residents, the distribution process feels arbitrary. Pensioner Pete Samson compared it to a lottery system. “Each year, you never know whether you’ll get a voucher or not. When you are among the lucky few, it feels like a hollow victory. You think about those who missed out. eThekwini has to do better. There has to be a fairer way for elderly residents in need to register for these vouchers,” said Samson.

Each ward employs its own method for determining eligibility, with Ward 33 distributing vouchers on a first-come, first-served basis. Ward 33 voucher requirements are as follows.

To qualify, residents must:

• Be 60 years or older (with original ID).
• Provide proof of residence not older than three months (retirement home or village residents may submit a house manager’s letter).
• Note that only one voucher per residential household is permitted.
• Pensioners unable to attend the distribution in person may send a representative with a signed letter, their own ID, and all required documents.

“These vouchers come directly from the Office of the Speaker, the ward councillor is only responsible for the distribution process,” said Kristopher. “Any discrepancies related to the use of vouchers must be directed to the Speaker’s Office. My office will not be held responsible once the vouchers have been handed over.”

For more information, residents can contact councillor Fran Kristopher on 062 126 8731.

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