Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has stated that pensioners receiving SASSA grants should be exempt from paying for basic municipal services such as water and electricity. He made these comments at the EFF's KwaZulu-Natal manifesto rally at Riverview Sports Field in Kokstad on Saturday. Malema emphasized that elderly people who have worked and contributed throughout their lives should not have to pay for essential services in their later years.
Malema's comments come as the EFF steps up its campaign ahead of the November 4 local government elections. The party's manifesto prioritizes basic service delivery, unemployment, and municipal governance. Malema argued that it is unfair to provide SASSA grants to elderly people while still requiring them to pay for water and electricity. He stated that this is "absolute nonsense" and should be stopped.
Malema proposed that the exemption could be implemented by linking SASSA beneficiary information with municipal records. This would allow qualifying residents to be identified without having to repeatedly prove their financial circumstances. Under an EFF-led government, the party would approach SASSA for beneficiary data and integrate it with municipal records to automatically exclude recipients from paying for water and electricity.
Malema also called for an increase in social grants, stating that elderly people and children should receive more financial support. He argued that if corruption and wasteful expenditure were stopped, the necessary funds could be allocated. Malema's comments reflect the EFF's commitment to addressing poverty and inequality in South Africa.
The EFF's manifesto for the local government elections focuses on key priorities such as basic service delivery, unemployment, and municipal governance. Malema's call for SASSA beneficiaries to be exempt from paying for water and electricity aligns with the party's goal of providing a better life for all South Africans. The party aims to implement policies that benefit the most vulnerable members of society.
Malema's proposal has sparked debate about the role of government in providing support to vulnerable populations. While some may argue that exempting SASSA beneficiaries from paying for water and electricity is a necessary measure, others may raise concerns about the feasibility and cost of implementing such a policy. The EFF's proposal is likely to be a topic of discussion in the lead-up to the local government elections.
The EFF's campaign ahead of the November 4 local government elections has been gaining momentum. Malema's comments on SASSA beneficiaries and municipal services are part of a broader effort to engage with voters and promote the party's manifesto. The party's focus on basic service delivery, unemployment, and municipal governance reflects its commitment to addressing the needs of South African citizens.
Key points
- EFF leader Julius Malema says SASSA beneficiaries should not have to pay for basic municipal services such as water and electricity.
