Julius Malema, the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has pledged to raise South Africa’s SASSA old-age grant to R4,500 per month should his party ascend to power. This bold promise was made during the EFF’s provincial manifesto launch in the North West region. Malema assured that an EFF-led administration would not only safeguard social grants but also amplify financial assistance for pensioners.
In his address, Malema did not hold back in criticizing the African National Congress (ANC), accusing them of failing to provide sufficient support to the elderly. He emphasized that pensioners, having contributed through taxes over their lifetimes, deserve better financial backing. Currently, the old-age grant stands at R2,400 monthly, with a slight increase to R2,420 for beneficiaries over the age of 75. Malema also took issue with the R370 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, deeming it inadequate, and advocated for the introduction of a new grant specifically for unemployed graduates.
During a subsequent speech in Mpumalanga, Malema reiterated his proposal for the R4,500 grant, underscoring that many pensioners are financially supporting their children and grandchildren. He argued that such an increase is feasible if public funds are managed more efficiently, suggesting that the government possesses the capacity to implement this change.
As South Africa approaches the local government elections scheduled for November 4, social grants, unemployment, and the rising cost of living are poised to be central themes in political campaigns. Malema’s proposals highlight the ongoing debate over how to effectively support vulnerable populations within the nation.