Dear Select Committee on Social Services,

As noted across all consensus is the fact that the OAP grant is insufficient to meet basic living standards and needs URGENT INTERVENTION to address the situation. The yearly increments have not kept pace with living standards and has now reached crisis proportions. R5000 pm minimum has now become the only sound option forward.

While one is deeply grateful for this stipend of R2,420, it has not kept pace with the cost of basic items. There is no counter argument regarding this issue.

If the government can find R31 million to spend on a weekend at a sporting event, surely priorities need to be adjusted in accordance with daily living conditions of the elderly. Money is available, the government must budget accordingly.

My monthly rent is R3200. I cannot find cheaper accommodation while at the same time maintain my dignity and right to life. Fortunately I have been able to create a level of self employment to meet basic living standards...selling fabric wallets at craft markets and doing upholstery work from a garage on the property where I currently reside. None of this 'work' to sustain my existence is guaranteed and, as things stand, I will work until the day I die. Thankfully I still have my health as I am ex Life Science Educator with immense knowledge on essential nutrition. and exercise regularly.

The tension to meet this rental plus basic necessities has been traumatic.

Rentals need to be paid on the 1st of each month. My landlord, an ex South AFrican living in the UK is intolerant of late payments. Why the SASSA grant cannot be paid on the 1st of each month is also problematic.

I live in Toll Gate, Musgrave in a boarding house. I have the use of a garage for my upholstery work.

I write for many OAP in a similar situation and trust that this communication will add weight to a more equitable SASSA OAP grant as stated above.

Kindest regards,