KNYSNA NEWS - Elderly residents of Knysna aren't too happy with the increase of R90 in their pension, with many claiming it will make little to no difference in their daily struggle to put food on the table.
The old-age pension will rise from R1 600 to R1 690 on 1 April and by a further R10 on 1 October.
The child support grant will raise from R380 to R400 on 1 April, and by a further R10 on 1 October.
The first VAT increase in 25 years, which also kicks in on 1 April, is a move to raise public finances in tough economic conditions and was announced by then finance minister Malusi Gigaba recently.
The minister also announced an above-inflation increase in social grants, which he said he hoped will counter the sting of the tax hike.
A long queue of more than 100 people lined up outside the Pick n Pay at Woodmill Lane on 1 March to collect their pension, where some of them expressed disappointment and helplessness at the VAT increases and the meagre R90 increase they would receive as of next month.
The 60-year-old Zakuthini Kepeyi said the increase is simply not enough.
“With all the other increases, R90 will not help us at all. We only want to buy food, but we always run out of cash long before the month is over.”
Another grant recipient, Christina Harley, said they are four in a house, and barely make it each day to feed themselves.
A 72-year-old man who asked not to be named, said most pensioners feel that a minimum grant of R2 000 would be more justified and also reasonable.
He said he has four grandchildren to feed and his daughter is unemployed.
“We depend on this money to survive, but it's nowhere near enough.”
• According to national media reports, SACP general secretary Blade Nzimande would be campaigning to ensure that by the time of the next budget, the VAT increase will be rolled back‚ and that other measures must be found to address the deficit – including "active recovery of billions of stolen capital".
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