23 Jul 2017

Selebi Phikwe West MP, Mr Dithapelo Keorapetse has tabled a motion calling government to increase the old age pension to P1 500.

Presenting the motion in parliament on July 21, MP Keorapetse said increasing the old age pension would cushion the elderly against the high cost of living; saying the P420 being given as old age pension was insufficient to allow for the comfortable survival of the elderly.

He said Botswana, compared to counterparts in the region, remained the only country giving its elderly the lowest pension.

He pointed out that the old age pension in other countries in the region ranged between P1 000 and P2 000, noting therefore that the P420 the elderly in Botswana received was too low in comparison.

Mr Keorapetse said it was also necessary to review the qualification criteria for receiving the old age pension arguing that relying on age only was improper.

He said one of the assessment methods that should be considered included finding out if an elderly person had other means of survival such as a business or another pension.

The legislator noted that excluding people with other means of survival would help government save money that would then be used to increase the old age pension of elderly people with no other means of survival.

Describing the current arrangement where only age determined eligibility to receive the pension as a "Father Christmas mentality," MP Keorapetse implored government to do away with it.

“It’s a Father Christmas arrangement which a country struggling with limited financial resources should review,” he said.

Mr Keorapetse said the elderly had played an important role in the society hence the need for them to have their old age pension reviewed upwards.

Contributing to the debate on the motion, Mahalapye East MP and also Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Ms Botlogile Tshireletso said government did not have the funds to increase the pension.

Ms Tshireletso said it was important to note that the elderly fell into different categories and were being assisted accordingly.

She said currently some of the elderly in the country were being given only the old age pension, while those with other pressing needs were being given further assistance depending on their level of need.

Ms Tshireletso said the elderly with a poor economic standing also received destitute allowance and a food basket in addition to the old age pension.

She stated further that depending on the need, government continued to build houses for the elderly with not decent shelter.

The assistant minister noted in addition that some of the elderly also received allowances through the World War II veterans allowances.

Ms Tshireletso said since the current arrangement did not exclude anyone, it was worth noting that the old age pension was simply to appreciate the elderly for their contribution to the building of the nation.

The debate on the motion is set to continue. ENDS