Malema Calls for R4,500 Monthly Pension Grants and More Support for Poor Families

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has urged the government to increase social grants, proposing that pensioners receive at least R4,500 per month to help them cope with rising living costs.

According to *The Citizen*, Malema made the proposals during an EFF rally in KwaZulu-Natal ahead of South Africa’s local government elections scheduled for 4 November 2026.

The EFF leader argued that additional funding could be secured by reducing unnecessary government expenditure, tackling corruption and redirecting public resources towards vulnerable communities.

He said pensioners required greater financial assistance, noting that many use their grants to cover essential expenses, including food, household bills and the needs of dependent family members.

Malema also called for increased support for young women, arguing that government assistance should help reduce financial dependence on older men.

“Government must be your sugar daddy, no man must be your sugar daddy,” he said, according to *The Citizen*.

In addition, he proposed providing schoolchildren from disadvantaged households with free uniforms and meals to ease the financial pressure on their families and support access to education.

Malema further suggested reducing the number of deputy ministers, arguing that the savings could be redirected towards pensioners and struggling communities.

However, the proposals remain political commitments, with no official grant increase announced. Questions also remain about the funding requirements, eligibility criteria and implementation process, as social grants fall under national government responsibility.

https://x.com/NewsdayZA/status/2112818436418019337

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