Pensioners across South Africa gathered outside South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) offices on Monday, September 7, calling for an increase in the old-age grant and improved treatment of older persons.
The Pensioners of South Africa (POSA) movement led the nationwide peaceful protest calling for the grant to be increased to R5,000, arguing that the current grant of R2,400 is insufficient to meet the basic needs of older persons.
The movement was founded by Chef JC Alex and his wife, Calveen Edwards, in January, after they experienced the difficulties faced by the elderly in their family.
Paarl is among the Western Cape areas listed for the protest, alongside Athlone, Atlantis, Bellville, Delft, Eerste River, Fish Hoek, Manenberg and Mitchells Plain.
The picketers were encouraged to gather at the SASSA offices from 12pm to 2pm in communities across the country.
Other gatherings were planned in Walmer and Bethelsdorp in Gqeberha, East London CBD, central Durban, Phoenix, Wentworth, Rustenburg, the TDC Centre in Johannesburg, Dobsonville and Middelburg.
‘A decent old age grant’
The movement says the R2,400 old-age grant is being consumed by basic household expenses, including food, electricity, water and transport.
POSA also says many pensioners support extended family members, including grandchildren and unemployed relatives, placing additional pressure on already limited household incomes.
The movement stated that the demand for an increase to R5,000 was a minimum needed to ensure that older persons can meet their basic needs.
“Our seniors made South Africa what it is today, yet they are feeling completely forgotten,” said Alex.
“They fought for everybody in government, but today, nobody is fighting for them. We started this movement to stand in solidarity with our elders and give them their voices back.”
Concerns over SASSA services
POSA is also raising concerns about the treatment of older persons at SASSA offices.
The movement claims that pensioners are sometimes forced to queue from the early hours of the morning, often in poor weather conditions, only to experience delays or be turned away because of system failures.
It further alleges that some pensioners experience difficulties when their grant accounts are frozen or suspended after receiving financial assistance from family members.
POSA says these issues add to the challenges already faced by older persons who depend on their grants to survive.
The movement is calling on the government to improve service delivery and ensure that the rights and dignity of older persons are protected.
Peaceful demonstrations
POSA has stressed that Monday's gatherings were intended to be peaceful demonstrations rather than marches, strikes or confrontational protests.
The movement has called on participants not to block roads or disrupt businesses and says violence, intimidation and damage to property will not be tolerated.
POSA is an advocacy movement dedicated to fighting for the socioeconomic rights and welfare of senior citizens. It also campaigns for policy reform and humane treatment at public service departments.
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