‘I have to beg for food’: 66-year-old pensioner’s rent leaves him with nothing
· The South African
Reacting to a recent The South African article on old-age grant increases, readers flooded the comments section with accounts of just how little their SASSA grants cover once rent, electricity and food are factored in. Among the most striking was from Hemraj Rubbiepracush, who laid out his monthly struggle in blunt terms.
Rubbiepracush, 66, said he pays R1 900 a month to rent a room. Once that’s covered, he said there isn’t enough left over for groceries. “I have to beg for food,” he wrote, a line that struck a chord with other commenters facing similar shortfalls.
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Additionally, his comment quickly drew sympathy from other readers. Saras Potiah responded with a plea for assistance, writing “Please help the poor people,” while Andre Stander simply added “Please” in support.
Pensioners call for government intervention
The thread turned into a broader appeal for action, with several South Africans using the space to call on authorities to step in. Potiah went further, urging officials to “try to do something for the people,” reflecting a growing frustration among grant recipients who feel current payments don’t match the real cost of living.
Furthermore, other commenters echoed the sentiment that rent, electricity, and food together are unaffordable on the current old-age grant amount, with Potiah asking pointedly what recipients are supposed to do “about the water and light and food” when the money runs out before the month does.
A grant stretched too thin
Rubbiepracush’s situation is far from isolated. Pensioners across South Africa have repeatedly raised concerns that the old-age grant hasn’t kept pace with rising rent, electricity tariffs, and food prices. Also, with basic accommodation alone consuming a significant chunk of a monthly payout, many are left choosing between shelter and meals.
The reaction to his comment suggests this isn’t a one-off complaint but rather a shared experience among elderly South Africans who rely on SASSA support.
As the cost of living continues to climb, calls for the government to reassess grant amounts are likely to grow louder.
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