Imagine trying to make ends meet on around R2,320 each month – that's the challenging reality faced by millions of South African pensioners who depend on the Older Persons Grant to get by. This government assistance, designed to support elderly citizens over a certain age, is meant to cover basic needs, but as we're about to see through the eyes of one recipient, it often falls short in a tough economic climate. But here's the kicker: how does someone stretch this modest sum to feed a family, pay bills, and even find a bit of joy? Let's dive into the day-in-the-life of 61-year-old Noah Libbie from Bonteheuwel, and uncover the surprising resilience and community support that keeps her afloat – and why this story might just challenge what you think about social welfare systems.
Noah Libbie isn't just a number in the system; she's one of approximately four million South Africans benefiting from the Older Persons Grant, a monthly payment from the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) aimed at helping those aged 60 and over who have limited income. On a recent Tuesday morning, GroundUp reporters shadowed her as she embarked on her grant collection and spending routine, offering a real-time glimpse into the budgeting gymnastics required to survive on this lifeline.
After catching a bus from her Bonteheuwel home around 9 a.m., Libbie headed to Parow Centre, the nearest major shopping hub. She collects her grant there, opting for this spot because it's convenient and home to affordable butcheries and food stores that keep prices lower than pricier alternatives. From her full R2,320 grant, R120 is automatically deducted each month for a life insurance policy she chose to maintain – a common practice to build a safety net for her family after she's gone. That leaves her with about R2,200 to work with. She withdrew R1,000 right away to kick off her errands, focusing on essentials that would sustain her household.
Libbie's background adds depth to her story. She spent nearly four decades working as an examiner in a shoe factory, a job that came with its share of hardships. 'I had some tough times... It wasn’t always great working in the factories. Sometimes you want to just leave and walk out, but then you think of your children,' she reflects. Those years of labor shaped her into a determined woman who now lives with her three daughters, one son-in-law, and three grandchildren. It's a multigenerational home where everyone pitches in: one daughter gets the R370 Social Relief of Distress grant (a temporary aid for those in dire straits), while the other two and her son-in-law hold jobs. 'We look after one another. If you don’t have, I give and you give me,' Libbie explains, highlighting the communal spirit that makes survival possible.
Her shopping spree began at Checkers, where she stocked up on groceries and a few small indulgences. With her grandchild's 16th birthday approaching, the family was planning a celebratory braai, so she included some treats to make the occasion special. Let's break down what she purchased, keeping in mind these are everyday items that add up quickly:
- 1 box of 200 tissues – R24.99
- 1 x 750ml Housebrand dishwashing liquid refill – R22.99
- 2 x Blue Ribbon bread – R33.98
- 1 x Albany loaf – R16.99
- 1 x Parmalat cheese – R66.15
- 4 x packets of boerewors – R221.52
- 1 x Lunchbar – R15.49
- 1 x 2-litre Darling full-cream milk – R29.99
- 2 x Eastern Highlands Still Water 750ml – R19.98
- 1 x 750ml Housebrand all-purpose cleaner – R24.99
- 2 x French large rolls – R33.98
- 3 x checkout bags – R3.90
The bill came to R514.95 before discounts, but Checkers' Xtra Savings brought it down to R501.97. Not stopping there, she popped into Fashion World for personal items totaling R75. 'I try to get myself a nice dress every now and then when I get paid,' she shares, though she didn't find her dream outfit this time – just a few essentials to brighten her day.
Next up was Fairfield Meat Centre on Voortrekker Road, where she loaded up on meat, fruits, and spices to round out her pantry:
- 1 x box of Dhania Grillhouse Burger patties – R59.95
- 1 x pack of lemons – R10
- 1 x box of pizza bases – R25
- 1 x corned beef – R323
- 1 x box of nectarines – R20
- 1 x box of plums – R20
- 4 x 11-in-1 spice pack – R100
- 2 x checkout bags – R2
That totaled R559.95. She then swung by Vis Fabriek for seafood, picking up:
- 1 x checkout bag – R1.80
- 4 x packets of Seafood mix – R239.80
Grand total there: R241.60. Her final stop was Sumthing Meat, where she grabbed:
- 1 x Ham and Tongue polony – R38.50
- 1 x Chicken Polony – R30
- 1 x French polony – R18.50
Adding up to R87. Bus fare for the round trip from Bonteheuwel to Parow and back cost her R30. By day's end, she'd spent R1,495.52, leaving roughly R705 to last until the next grant.
'I must keep that for electricity, bread and milk,' she notes pragmatically. 'You buy what you need. You’re not going to buy meat every month because you can’t afford that.' Pointing to her trolley, she adds, 'Look, I don’t have potatoes or onions, I must still buy toilet paper, and more dishwashing liquid and Jik for the household… I’m thankful for the money I get, but there’s a lot of things I still need.' And this is the part most people miss: even with careful planning, essentials like vegetables, hygiene products, and cleaning supplies are often left out, forcing tough choices.
But Libbie isn't going it alone. Her children's contributions are crucial. 'Each one gets me something… When I go out, they’ll give me breakfast money or money for clothes.' The family pools resources creatively – perhaps she'll prep meals for a couple of days, and on Sundays, a daughter takes over cooking. 'You must just learn how to work with what you have.' They even split the electricity bill, which runs about R1,000 monthly. 'If the children don’t help it’s a struggle. But you can’t complain, because everybody struggles.' She also delights in giving her grandchildren R10 each when possible, nurturing the next generation despite her constraints.
To bridge the gaps, Libbie occasionally sells homemade treats like sweets, eggs, doughnuts, or rotis from home. 'Sometimes I make R70 to R300 per day… sometimes I make R30, which is at least bread money for me.' It's an entrepreneurial side hustle that supplements her income, showing how many grant recipients turn necessity into opportunity.
Still, the final week of the month is grueling. 'By the last week of the month, we really feel it… Sometimes by the 15th of the month, the groceries are all done. But then my daughter will help.' Yet, amidst the hardships, Libbie clings to optimism. 'Life has ups and downs. It can’t be bad all the time.'
Now, here's where it gets controversial: Is this grant system truly supportive, or does it perpetuate poverty by barely scratching the surface of needs? Critics argue that deductions like the life insurance policy eat into already limited funds, while advocates say it provides critical protection. And what about the broader question – should the government increase grant amounts or tighten eligibility to focus on the most vulnerable? Does relying on family and informal work reflect a failure of social welfare, or is it a testament to South African resilience? These are debates worth having. Do you believe R2,320 is enough for a pensioner supporting a household? Should deductions be optional? What reforms would you propose to improve lives like Noah Libbie's? Share your opinions in the comments – let's start a conversation!
