SASSA pensioner: Struggling on R2 400, hoping for R5 000 grants
· The South African
Molefi Ramatheko, in his sixties, has relied on SASSA’s Older Persons’ Grant for between three and five years, but the R2400 he receives monthly no longer stretches far enough to keep his household fed.
Ramatheko lives with one to two dependents in a shared home and told The South African that he regularly struggles to make ends meet on his grant. He confirmed that his household has gone without food in the past month, and said his money typically runs out before the month is over. Rising food prices and the general cost of living remain his biggest financial worry, he said, a concern shared by millions of grant recipients navigating South Africa’s high unemployment rate.
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Despite the shortfall, Ramatheko was clear that his experience with SASSA itself has been smooth. He receives his grant directly into his First National Bank account and said he has never had a problem with the payment process. He rated SASSA’s communication with recipients as “very good,” even as he pushes for change on the amount he receives.
Past attempts for extra support fell through
The retired admin worker said he previously tried applying for additional government assistance beyond his current grant, but was either turned down or abandoned the process.
It’s a familiar story for many recipients who find the broader support system difficult to access or navigate, even when their existing grant clearly isn’t covering the basics.
Pensioner’s message to SASSA
Asked what single change he would make to the grant system, Ramatheko didn’t hesitate: increase the amount. He shared a direct message for SASSA and fellow South Africans: “Hope SASSA would give elders a basic of R5,000 grants. Amen.”
His comment echoes a broader call among Older Persons’ Grant recipients, many of whom argue that R2 400 hasn’t kept pace with inflation, rent and medical costs. Ramatheko, who spent his working years in administration, said he hopes for a future in which elderly South Africans can live with greater financial dignity.
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