Pension payment delays affect families

More than 15 000 pensioners affected by the government’s verification exercise are expected to have their outstanding payments finalised by October.

Gender equality and child welfare minister Emma Kantema-Gaomas told the National Assembly on Wednesday that 15 785 pensioners were affected after concerns were raised over outdated beneficiary information.

The minister said 10 660 pensioners have since been reinstated and are receiving their grants, while the remaining cases are still being processed.

Activist Julius Natangwe says the delays have affected entire families who rely on pension grants for basic needs such as food and school necessities.