The latest data from Statistics SA (Stats SA) shows that one of the highest proportions of elderly people aged 60 and over resides in the Western Cape—12.4% of the total population. Similarly high figures were recorded in the Eastern Cape, where this percentage reaches 13.2%.
Stats SA forecasts that the country's population will reach 63.52 million by mid-2026. Furthermore, about 50.9% of the population are women, and the expected life expectancy at birth in 2026 is estimated at 65.5 years for men and 71.0 years for women.
The Minister of Social Development for the Western Cape, Jacob Londt, confirmed that due to the growing number of elderly citizens, R271 million has been allocated to fund non-profit organizations. Additionally, over 5093 places in independent or specialized care facilities have been secured.
Londt noted that there is a growing demand for services for the elderly in the province. He specified that more than R271 million was directed towards supporting NGOs assisting the older generation in the current financial year. This amount includes subsidies for 5093 beds across three housing categories (independent, semi-independent, and specialized care), as well as 8349 subsidies for public services for the elderly.
In addition, psychosocial services are provided to those who are neglected by their elders. These services are offered by both the Department and partner NGOs. Londt added that Stats SA data is used to justify obtaining additional funding and support from the government, as well as from corporations wishing to help the most vulnerable segments of the population.
The Stats SA report was released several weeks after representatives of the elderly in the Western Cape, acting under the auspices of the organization Pensioners of South Africa (POSA), appealed to President Cyril Ramaphosa and the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) demanding an increase in the state pension amount by R2400 per month to R5000.
