The struggles of old age pensioners

THE more our country’s people read, think and understand our so called Government of National Unity’s (GNU) support for old age pensioners, the more the government’s insensitivity and care a damn attitude is revealed.

In a survey of 90 countries where elderly people could live comfortably, South Africa ranked 84th. Because of the poor support by our self-employed ministers, the life expectancy of our old age pensioners is 64.9 years and our health care index is 63.7.

In Switzerland the life expectancy is 84.3 years and health care index 74.5. Even with their tested glasses and cataracts removed these ministers cannot see that they are making our old people suffer.

In South Africa old age pensioners receive a paltry R2 200 per month. Zambia pays an old age pension of R3 830 per month. What has gone wrong in this country? How can these old people live when they face innumerable challenges almost daily in their twilight years: they have to look for money to pay rent, pay for services, buy food, medical expenses, school fees and take care of university education.

The kings of this country, that is the ministers and parliamentarians are living in the lap of luxury at the expenses of all tax payers. You and I are being robbed. Ministers earn in excess of R300 000 per month and our pensioners get R2 200 per month.

One wonders how these ministers sleep at night I want to offer two pieces of advice to the lawmakers of our country in order to save their faces and to get them out of their deep slumber - increase the old age pension to a minimum of R3 830 per month and give every pensioner a bonus cheque during Christmas. That is to give them a double payment in December.

This country is already bankrupt. We don’t mind borrowing more money to enrich the lives of our old age pensioners. However, if these so-called leaders feel guilty, they could ask treasury to pay all parliamentarians and ministers only get 10% of what they get.

Since I am still an IFP member I would ask all ministers and the deputy ministers of the IFP to move a motion in parliament according to my proposal. If Dr Mangosutho Buthelezi were alive he would fire all of them.

KAMAL PANDAY

Reservoir Hills

** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media. 

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