The government has announced an increase in the Old Age Pension from P830 to P1,400 per month. This adjustment, set to take effect on April 1, 2025, was unveiled during the 2025 Budget Speech delivered by the Minister of Finance Ndaba Gaolathe.

The Minister emphasized that this increase reflects the government’s commitment to inclusivity and social justice, even amid fiscal constraints. “The true measure of a society lies in how it cares for its most vulnerable members,” the Minister stated, underscoring the administration’s dedication to enhancing the quality of life for senior citizens.

The government has also introduced additional social welfare measures, including a targeted monthly allowance of P300 for newborns until they turn one year old, and the provision of free sanitary pads to female students. These initiatives aim to address various segments of the population, ensuring that essential needs and dignity are upheld.

To accommodate these new provisions, the government has undertaken a reprioritization of existing allocations, ensuring that the additional financial requirements do not strain the national budget. The Minister highlighted that disciplined public finance management remains a cornerstone of the government’s approach, with any increase in expenditure being offset by either increased revenue or budget cuts in other areas.

As the economy recovers and the fiscal position improves, the government has pledged to revisit social allowances to ensure that resources are directed to the most deserving sections of society.