Recently we were shocked to hear of the sudden death of one of our oldest friends (74) who, sadly enough had recently lost her husband (79). She had died by her own hand!
The couple had been living (existing) by the grace of the State Old Age Pension – he received R1370 per month, and she a mere R1320 per month from which they paid their rent etc. When he died she lost his portion of their joint sole income.
When we had seen her last she was a shadow of her former self – gaunt, stooped and unhappy. When her body was discovered, it was also neted and the larder and fridge was bare – she was starving!
Please Home Affairs Welfare, whatever, amend this unfair policy – don’t stop payment of one portion when one partner dies! The other partner still needs to live.