10 Feb 2025

 The long wait for Old Age Pension increase by government will be realised effective April 1.

Although government had promised an increase it from P830 to P1 800, the Old Age pensioners will instead receive P1 400 as their monthly allowance.

Minister of Finance, also Vice President Ndaba Gaolathe announced during his maiden national budget speech yesterday that government remained committed to inclusiveness and wellbeing of its citizens.

Mr Gaolathe assured the nation of government’s commitment to improving the welfare of citizens, with focus on laying the institutional foundations for a revitalised, modern, deep, and export-driven economy that generated high-paying opportunities for all citizens.

In addition to Old Age Pension allowance increase, Mr Gaolathe said government would offer a monthly allowance of P300 for new born babies until they turn a year old.

Also, government will provide free sanitary pads to school girls to ensure that their dignity and essential needs are met.

Minister Gaolathe explained that the estimated financial requirements for these new provisions has been accommodated through reprioritisation and budget cuts within the existing allocations.

He said government was committed to revisiting social welfare allowances as the economy regains strength and the fiscal position improves.

Government, he said, would ensure that resources are directed where they are most impactful and to the most deserving section of the society. ENDS