The Minister of Gender, Youth and Social Development, Mr. Pitso Lesaoana, has assured elderly citizens who were unable to receive their pensions due to recent heavy rains that they will be paid before the end of this month.
Mr. Lesaoana made this assurance on Wednesday in response to an urgent question posed by Hloahloeng Member of Parliament (MP), Mr. Katleho Mabeleng, in the National Assembly. The question addressed concerns about old-age pensioners who could not reach the pay point at Poriking in Qabane on Tuesday due to overflooded rivers. MP Mabeleng sought clarity on the measures the Minister would take to ensure pensioners receive their payments, especially since this is the final payment of the financial year.
In his response, Mr. Lesaoana confirmed that he had received a report indicating that the vehicles dispatched to Poriking to distribute pensions had to turn back because of the impassable rivers. However, he assured the National Assembly that arrangements had been made to ensure pensioners receive their payments at Ha Khamakhamane Council on Wednesday.
“I am aware that payments were also not made in other areas due to weather conditions; hence, I will ensure that pensioners receive their payments before the end of this month,” the Minister stated.
The assurance comes as a relief to elderly citizens who depend on these funds for their livelihoods. The Ministry continues to monitor the situation to prevent further disruptions and ensure that all affected pensioners receive their rightful payments despite the challenges posed by adverse weather conditions.
