Pension grant a plus for men from 60

By Tina George
12 February 2008

The SA Human Rights Commission welcomes President Thabo Mbeki’s announcement in his State of the Nation Address that men, just like women would soon be eligible for the old-age grant from the age of 60.

This comes after the current Act states that only men have access to the old-age grant when they reach the age of 65, however it permits women to receive the grant from the age of 60.

“We believe that this is a victory for the enjoyment of constitutionally preserved human rights and amongst others of equality and human dignity,” says spokesperson for the SA Human Rights Commission, Vincent Moaga.

“This is a further boost in the eradication of poverty and dismantling of the legacy of apartheid,” says Moaga.

The Commission eagerly awaits the budget speech of the Minister of Finance to see how the changes will be effected and also the Minister of Social Development in his budget response to the President’s speech.