Julius Malema, the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), vowed to increase South Africa’s old-age grant to R4,500 per month if his party gains power. This promise was made during the EFF’s provincial manifesto launch in North West, where Malema emphasized that an EFF-led administration would prioritize social grants and enhance financial aid for pensioners. He criticized the current government, led by the African National Congress (ANC), for what he described as inadequate support for the elderly, highlighting that pensioners have contributed significantly to the country through their taxes during their working years.
Currently, the old-age grant stands at R2,400 monthly, with a slightly higher amount of R2,420 for those over the age of 75. Malema also took aim at the R370 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, labeling it insufficient, and advocated for a new grant targeted at unemployed graduates. His proposal for the R4,500 grant was reiterated during a speech in Mpumalanga, where he pointed out that many pensioners are financially responsible for supporting their children and grandchildren.
Malema argued that the government could fund the proposed increase by managing public funds more efficiently. The issues of social grants, unemployment, and the rising cost of living are poised to remain central topics as political parties continue their campaigns for the upcoming local government elections on November 4.