Senior citizens in Wentworth, south of Durban, have joined in the Pensioner of South Africa’s (Posa) call for an increase to the older persons grant, by picketing outside the Austerville SA Social Security Agency (Sassa) office today (September 7), reports Southlands Sun.

The pensioners’ picket is a demonstration to show the unity among the older generation and to affirm their place in the community. The senior citizens are calling for dignity and improved social support.

“South Africa’s older persons have spent decades building our communities, raising families, contributing to the economy and helping shape the nation we all share today. They deserve to be seen, heard and treated with dignity and respect,” read a statement by Posa. 

Increase in older persons grant

The organisation said that one of the major obstacles that many senior citizens face is the growing financial pressure as the cost of basic necessities continue to rise. Posa is calling on the Department of Social Development to increase the older persons grant from its current R2400 to R5000.  

“The old age grant provides essential support, but it often does not fully meet the everyday needs of pensioners. Many are forced to make impossible choices just to get by, sacrificing their own health and well-being to support their families,” read a statement by the organisation. 

Sassa previously increased the older persons grant by R80 in April.

Posa said that the picket is about visibility and not confrontation and it’s about reminding South Africa that older people matter.

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