The city where pensioners can survive on less

Most pensioners in South Africa’s major metros supplement their old-age grant with a job, retirement annuity, rental income, or by living with their children.

Independent living is almost impossible with only R2 400 a month.

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In one South African metro, pensioners can live comfortably on less.

Not yet R2 400, but as close to it as possible.

Which metro is most affordable for pensioners?

Johannesburg is the most affordable metro for pensioners.

The metro offers several rebates and perks that lower pensioners’ monthly expenses.

Rates, Electricity, Water

Pensioners earning below R12 474 qualify for a 100% rebate if they’re between 60 and 69.

Pensioners 70 years and older won’t pay rates on a property valued below R2 million.

That gives the average pensioner plenty of breathing room, even if they’re living in Johannesburg’s leafier suburbs.

Pensioners who own property valued at less than R2.5 million can access the City of Johannesburg’s expanded social package rebate.

The city will provide free electricity up to 30 kilowatt-hours and free water up to 25 litres per person per day.

Electricity in the city is also cheaper than in other metros.

Electricity Tariff

MetroPrice per Kilowatt-hourJohannesburgR3.85PretoriaR3.73 – R5.13Cape TownR4.14DurbanR4.17 Transport

Joburg pensioners don’t have to spend much on transport.

The city’s pensioners can take the Rea Vaya bus for free.

To get a Smart Card, the ticket passengers use to access the bus, pensioners will spend R30.

Then each month, pensioners can visit the customer care centre to load their 20 free trips.

Between 08:30 and 15:00 every day, and all day on public holidays and weekends, pensioners can cash in their free transportation.

Pensioners earning below R350 000 a year can also save 50% on Gautrain fares.

Accommodation

In suburbs like Blackheath, where the crime rate is 3.13%, pensioners can buy a 1-bedroom flat in a secure complex, starting at R370 000.

Levies start at R1 500 a month.

In the city’s safest police precinct, Rosebank, pensioners can purchase a 1-bedroom flat for just under R800 000.

Levies start at R1 440.

There are also retirement village rentals in the city starting from R3 750 for two occupants.

Groceries

Joburg’s grocery prices aren’t the most affordable; that award goes to Durban.

However, Joburg groceries are only 1.4% more expensive than Durban on a basic basket of goods that includes 2 kilograms of white sugar, 2 litres of fresh milk, 700 grams of bread, 300 grams of cheese, and 150 grams of ham.

Is Johannesburg Pensioner-Friendly?

No one considers Joburg a pensioner’s paradise.

Of the major metros, Joburg has the fewest residents over 65.

According to the 2022 census, residents over 65 make up 5% of the city’s population.

Every other metro has surpassed 6%.

But the city is home to the oldest rotary club, and young-at-heart pensioners can join the city’s numerous social clubs.

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