Samson Tshabalala, a 65-year-old Gauteng pensioner, says his monthly SASSA grant no longer stretches far enough. He wants the government to act before older South Africans fall behind.
Tshabalala receives the Older Person’s Grant. He shared his experience through The South African’s SASSA grant survey.
Older Person’s Grant swallowed by housing costs
Tshabalala owns his own home, but housing costs remain his biggest financial concern. He told The South African that most of his grant goes towards rent or housing expenses.
Two people depend on his income. He said he regularly struggles to make ends meet, and by the end of the month, nothing is left of his grant.
Despite the pressure, he confirmed that no one in his household went without food in the past month.
Smooth payments, but the money falls short
Tshabalala has few complaints about how SASSA runs things. His grant goes straight into his bank account each month, and he described his experience with the agency as straightforward. He has never had a problem with his grant.
He also rated SASSA’s communication with recipients as very good, a view many recipients do not share.
His concern lies with the amount itself. When asked what one thing he would change about SASSA, he chose an increase in the amount.
Retired pensioner calls for inflation-beating increases
Tshabalala, who is now retired, has experience in admin and office work.
He has never applied for additional government support because he did not know what else was available to him.
His message to SASSA is short and direct.
“Increase grant above inflation,” Tshabalala said.
His call echoes that of many pensioners who say rising living costs leave them with less each month, even when their payments arrive on time.
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