Members of Parliament in Eswatini have renewed calls for an increase in the elderly grant, citing the rising cost of living and financial challenges faced by senior citizens. The grant currently stands at E600 monthly for qualifying citizens aged 60 and above. Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla was questioned about progress in formulating regulations to guide the proposed adjustment during the House of Assembly's debate of the second quarter performance report for her office.
Speaker Jabulani Mabuza expressed concerns that elderly citizens were increasingly seeking an increase in their monthly grant to E1 500. He stated that elderly people were asking questions and stating that they wished their grant could be increased to E1 500, given the rising cost of living and financial challenges they faced. Mabuza asked DPM Dladla about the progress made in developing regulations that would guide the increase of the elderly grant.
The issue of elderly grants has been raised in previous parliamentary engagements, with legislators highlighting the burden placed on senior citizens who support unemployed family members and grandchildren. In April this year, MPs highlighted concerns about elderly citizens facing food insecurity, property loss, and inadequate social protection. They emphasized the need for a review of the grant amount to ensure it aligns with the current cost of living.
In March this year, during the debate on the 2026/2027 National Budget, MPs called on the Minister for Finance Neal Rijkenberg to consider increasing the elderly grant. Some legislators suggested that funds be reallocated from other government programs to support the increase. Phondo MP Bonginkosi Dube and Mtfongwaneni MP Nathi Hlophe both expressed concerns about the struggles faced by elderly citizens in their constituencies.
Nkilongo MP Petros Sibandze proposed that the budget should not be passed until the elderly grant had been increased. The grant was previously increased by 20 percent, raising the amount by E100. However, MPs argue that this increase is still inadequate to meet the basic needs of senior citizens. The Deputy Prime Minister's office has submitted a budget proposal, but it has not yet received approval.
The Deputy Prime Minister responded to the concerns, stating that the policy on social assistance had been completed, and the next steps were to develop the law and regulations. She urged MPs to support the budget when it was presented to Parliament. The issue of elderly grants is closely linked to the anticipated effects of the El Niño weather phenomenon on the livelihoods of vulnerable citizens, particularly farmers.
The El Niño weather phenomenon is expected to have a significant impact on agricultural production and livelihoods in Eswatini. MPs have raised concerns about the possible effects on vulnerable households and have asked the government to consider providing relief funds to assist destitute citizens. The government has previously provided relief assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic, and MPs are seeking similar interventions to cushion vulnerable households against the anticipated effects of El Niño.
Key points
- Eswatini MPs are pushing for an increase in the elderly grant from E600 to E1 500 monthly.
- The grant increase is aimed at addressing the rising cost of living and financial challenges faced by senior citizens.
- The Deputy Prime Minister's office has submitted a budget proposal for the grant increase, but it has not yet received approval.
