DAYS after senior citizens all over the country picketed outside SA Social Security Agency (Sassa) offices calling for increases of the older persons grant, Sassa responded by saying they do not have any role in determining how much is paid.

Also read: Wentworth pensioners picket for R2600 grant increase [Video]

Sassa only implements a directive

Andile Tshona, media liaison for Sassa, said that Sassa acts as an implementing entity of the government to administer social assistance to eligible people.

“In terms of the Social Assistance Act and SASSA Act of 2004, Sassa’s mandate does not extend to determining how much is paid. That competency lies with National Treasury and Sassa only implements a directive,” said Tshona.

Posa picket

On Monday (September 7), Wentworth senior citizens, as part of Pensioners of SA (Posa), gathered outside the Austerville Sassa office calling on the government to increase the older persons grant from R2400 to R5000.

According to Posa, the older persons grant is simply not enough for seniors citizens to meet all financial expenses, especially in the current economy.

“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. 

Guided by Batho Pele

Posa also said the picket was a demonstration to show the unity among the older generation and to affirm their place in the community. According to Tshona, Sassa is guided by Batho Pele principles and always strives to ensure all pensioners are treated with dignity at all times.

Speaking up for your rights

He added that Sassa advocates and believes that everyone has the right to voice their discontent.

Sassa is also open to engagement with all our stakeholders at any given point. However, issues around grant increases, as legitimate as they could be, need to be directed at the right channels at National Government as this is where grants increases are determined, not at Sassa,” said Tshona.

Following Monday’s picket, Posa said that this was just the first and the senior citizens are tired of empty promises.

“The next one we [are] going to shock the world,” said Posa.

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