Julius Malema, the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has pledged to raise South Africa’s SASSA old-age grant to R4,500 monthly if his party assumes power. This announcement was made during the EFF’s provincial manifesto launch in North West, where Malema emphasized the need for an EFF-led government to safeguard social grants and enhance financial assistance for the elderly.
Malema criticized the African National Congress (ANC) for providing what he deemed insufficient support to senior citizens, arguing that those in their golden years have paid their dues through taxes throughout their working lives. Currently, the old-age grant is R2,400 per month, with a slight increase to R2,420 for beneficiaries over the age of 75. Malema also targeted the R370 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, calling it inadequate and advocating for a new grant aimed at unemployed graduates.
Reiterating his proposal, Malema addressed audiences in Mpumalanga, highlighting that many pensioners are financially responsible for supporting their children and grandchildren. He argued that the government could afford this proposed increase if public funds were managed more effectively.
As South Africa gears up for local government elections scheduled for November 4, issues such as social grants, unemployment, and the rising cost of living are expected to dominate political discussions and campaigns. Malema’s proposals reflect the EFF’s broader commitment to addressing these pressing concerns through improved financial support mechanisms.