Pension pays the bills
An 87-year-old man uses his state pension as the only income to provide for his family, but collecting his pension is the hardest part.
During their door-to-door canvassing in Smoke Town informal settlement, members of the Democratic Alliance met an elderly disabled man whom they felt compelled to help.
“He did not get his pension last month because he is unable to walk and there was no public transport available that he could afford,” explained Gregory Dalton, a DA constituency officer in Mogale City. This month, a DA Samaritan took him there himself.
87-year-old Thomas Matlakalane is the sole provider for his wife, daughter and a baby they take care of. Thomas receives a R1 300 state pension each month but does not get a disability grant. His wife is unable to work because she takes care of him while his daughter is trying to find a job.
“The Smoke Town community hires a car each month to take their elders to collect their pension. But they charge R30 per person for the ride,” explained Gregory.
Thomas pays R60 because he takes his wife along to help him. Last month Thomas had no money left for transport to collect his pension.
Dumesane Zeinle, a Ward 30 DA activist took Thomas to collect his pension without any charges. Gregory told the News Dumesane was overwhelmed by the pensioner’s gratitude and decided to help him in future too.
“I will make sure Thomas gets his pension every month – even if I have to drive him there myself.”
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