Julius Malema, leader of the EFF, has urged for an increase in South Africa’s old-age grant to R4,500 per month, emphasizing the crucial role that pensioners, especially grandmothers, play in supporting black families.
Malema made these statements during the EFF’s provincial manifesto launch in eMalahleni, Mpumalanga, on Saturday, in preparation for the local government elections scheduled for November 4.
He asserted that under an EFF government, social grants would not be eliminated but rather increased.
“You contributed to the tax system during your working years; that is your money. We will not remove your grants; instead, we will double them. Our aim is for the grant to start at R4,500,” Malema declared.
He pointed out that many pensioners use their grants to support not just themselves but also their children and unemployed family members.
“No one here can deny the influence of grandmothers in their lives. They have nurtured us all. That’s why these funds should be directed to them, as they are the pillars of our families. We must advocate for them, as supporting them means supporting black families, given their vital role as heads of these households,” he stated.
Currently, South Africa’s old-age grant is set at R2,400 per month, having received an R80 increase in April 2026. Beneficiaries over the age of 75 receive R2,420, based on official pension data from the government.
For the 2026/27 financial year, the government has allocated R292.8 billion for social grants, which assist approximately 26.5 million beneficiaries.
Malema argued that the government could afford to raise grant amounts if public funds were managed properly and not misused. He also criticized the ANC regarding issues of poverty and corruption and called for increased support for young unemployed individuals.
The EFF has a history of advocating for substantial increases in social grants. In its 2024 electoral manifesto, the party proposed raising the old-age grant from R2,090 to R4,180 per month and pledged to double other significant grants.
The recent R4,500 proposal marks an additional increase beyond the EFF’s prior commitment.
