‘Pick and choose' voucher system leaves eThekwini's elderly feeling forgotten

ETHEKWINI'S annual pensioner food voucher programme is facing mounting criticism as councillors struggle with limited resources and allegations of unfair distribution.

Religious leaders and community activists call for transparency as thousands of elderly citizens await crucial festive season support amidst rising living costs.

Councillor Yogis Govender, DA eThekwini Exco member, said the annual rollout of the senior citizens’ vouchers continued to be a source of concern and frustration for many residents.

She said ward councillors faced significant challenges in managing expectations and ensuring equitable distribution.

“This is compounded by the absence of a confirmed roll-out date and limited vouchers. The municipality has not committed to any specific date for the commencement of the voucher distribution. Some councillors are already being inundated with requests and pleas and ward councillors are unable to provide definitive timelines to their constituents.

“It must be noted that each ward councillor operates independently, using their own systems and methods to manage the distribution process. It is tailored to the unique needs and logistical realities of their respective wards. Councillors will only make public announcements regarding distribution once they have received official confirmation from the municipality,” Govender added.

Ward 33 councillor Fran Kristopher, said she was inundated with queries from pensioners in the Umbilo, Glenwood and Bulwer areas.

She said the discussion on the vouchers was tabled at the council meeting last week.

“We were informed that vouchers would be supplied once again to pensioners who are 60 years and older, provided they are residents who live in the various wards across eThekwini. The ward councillors need to verify this and ensure these pensioners receive the vouchers.  “The value of the vouchers was not disclosed and we received no further communication regarding when it would be available,” she added.

Sharen Rajman, a community leader in Durban south, said every ward councillor is given 600 vouchers to give to pensioners.

She said there were about 4 800 pensioners in the Merebank, Wentworth and the Jacobs area.

“I am a part of the ward committee, and each member receives 20 vouchers to distribute. I have a very long list and try to alternate the recipients every year. It is impossible to distribute to everyone in need. 

“We are in a situation where those who can afford to buy groceries during the festive period also want the vouchers. And they demand it. The roll-out becomes a nightmare for those having to hand out the vouchers," she said.

Reverend Cyril Pillay, a religious social activist in Chatsworth, said they called for a fair and dignified voucher distribution.

He said for many senior citizens, the festive period was often marked by stress and struggle. 

“With the rising cost of food, transport, and healthcare, pensioners are hard pressed on every side. Their grants often stretch only so far, leaving little to enjoy or share with family at year’s end.

“Each year, the municipality allocates funds to local councillors for the distribution of hampers or vouchers to pensioners. While the intention is good, the current system has come under fire for being inconsistent and unfair. Councillors decide who receives these vouchers, and in many areas, the process has become a ‘pick and choose’ distribution, often influenced by political lines or personal preferences.

“This has led to disappointment among seniors who feel overlooked or excluded, not because of need, but because of who they know or where they live. For elderly citizens who have served their communities faithfully for decades, such selective treatment is disheartening and unjust. Fair and equal distribution promotes dignity, restores trust, and ensures that no senior feels forgotten or left behind during a time that should bring comfort and care,” he added.

Pillay said if equal distribution could not be managed through councillors, then the responsibility should be entrusted to a reputable, non-political organisation that could ensure transparency and fairness. 

“This would remove bias and prevent the misuse of public funds for political gain,” he said.

Community activist, Brandon Pillay, said it would be “practically impossible” for the money allocated for the vouchers to be distributed evenly to all senior citizens.

“This is an initiative of the municipality. They cannot give cash to seniors. The initiative started off as food parcels and a party, and it has now been changed to vouchers. During my tenure as ward councillor for five years, I had no issues.

“We know that the vouchers would never be enough. I used to compile a list of beneficiaries each year. We started with all the senior citizen groups or clubs in the ward, then we compiled a list for each area via the ward committee and area committees.

“We used a rotation system, especially in the clubs. We would alternate the beneficiaries so that different people get the vouchers the following year. 

“What is most important is that these vouchers come from the municipality and not from the councillors or their political parties. They  cannot distribute these vouchers only to voters or supporters of their respective political parties. It must be a fair process and more consideration must be given to those who are most disadvantaged,” Pillay added.

The eThekwini Municipality did not respond at the time of print.

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