Qacha’s Nek, Feb. 18 — While some elderly residents welcomed the government’s M50 pension increase, others say it barely covers basic needs, leaving a single pension stretched to feed an entire household, pay for school uniforms, and cover other necessities.
Announced in the 2026/27 budget on Wednesday by Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Dr. Rets’elisitsoe Matlanyane, the raise from M950 to M1,000 per month comes after last year’s freeze and has sparked mixed reactions among the elderly.
The Minister also noted that Lesotho faces economic pressures from global trade shocks, rising tariffs on exports, and falling diamond and textile prices, factors that, she said, constrain government revenue.
In her budget speech, Dr. Matlanyane, highlighted government efforts to strengthen economic resilience, improve food security through agricultural investment, and protect vulnerable households through social protection programs.
Despite these efforts, rising costs, persistent unemployment, and limited fiscal space mean that even a small pension increase is quickly absorbed by daily necessities.
At 78, ’Malikonelo Marotholi of Tebellong, Liphakoeng, did not even know about the increase until informed. Though grateful, she told the Agency the additional M50 will make only a slight difference. A 50kg bag of maize meal now costs M500, leaving the rest of her pension for basics such as soap and vaseline, with no room for luxuries.
“I love Danone, but I can’t afford it anymore, not even sweets. I can’t even pay my tithe at church,” she said. “It’s not easy, but it’s better than nothing.”
Marotholi lives with her two sons, daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren, and when her children cannot find piece jobs, the household depends entirely on her pension. She pays for school uniforms and daily needs, and expects costs to rise when her grandchild moves to Grade 1 next year.
“If only they could increase it so we could at least afford bread flour,” she added. “With both maize meal and flour, we could alternate between pap and bread, and it would last the whole month. I can’t even enjoy the tea I love so much anymore because of the rising prices; I simply can’t afford it.”
For ’Makopano Lefata (75) of Ha Mapote, the strain is even heavier. Her pension supports 17 people, including herself, her partner, and 15 grandchildren whose fathers are deceased. Four children attend school through government bursaries, but she must pay fees for ten others after their applications were unsuccessful at the Department of Social Development.
“All of them rely on this money for survival,” she said. “It is very hard.” Lefata believes the pension should be at least M1,200 to cope with current prices, especially as maize meal costs continue to climb, often forcing families into debt before month’s end.
Another pensioner, ’Mamocholo Shata, said she expected a M50 adjustment, as it had been common practice in previous years until last year’s freeze. “I am glad they remembered us this year,” she said. But like others, she feels the amount is insufficient. Living with her sister and three children, two with disabilities, she says the pension covers food only. She still does weeding jobs for M50 despite her age and declining strength.
Mr. Motsamai Makoae of Tsoelike, Ha Matsoetlane, had hoped for a M100 increase, particularly after last year brought no adjustment. “The money we get is not enough,” he said.
“My wish is for the pension to reach at least M1,200.”
What emerges from these stories is a shared reality: the old-age pension is no longer simply support for the elderly. In many rural households, it is the primary and sometimes only reliable source of income.
For some, the increase is a small but appreciated gesture. For others, it underscores how fragile their survival remains. As prices rise and unemployment persists, the question many pensioners are quietly asking is not whether they are grateful but whether future budgets will match the growing weight they carry on behalf of their families.
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