MPP pushes for widows’ grant

SHAMEEN Thakur Rajbansi, an MPP and leader of the Minority Front, could be a few steps closer to having a widows’ grant included in the Social Assistance Amendment Act.

The Act provides payments for old age, foster and child support grants among others.

Thakur Rajbansi, who is a widow, said the grant would benefit thousands if legislated.

“The National Assembly is working to amend the Act and we have been asked to contribute suggestions of what should be included.

“I have been fighting for a widows’ support grant since early 2001. Many housewives rely on their husbands’ incomes. When the spouse dies, the widow may not have financial assistance. I feel that widows fall through the cracks.”

She said that when her husband, Amichand Rajbansi, was part of the House of Delegates, he told her that there was a support grant that helped women to look after their children.

“He said it gave them dignity and freedom. They did not have to rely on others. He spoke about bringing it back. That is what I am trying to do.

“My mother was widowed at a young age. She raised my five siblings and I single-handedly. I was also widowed at a young age and I had to raise my son on my own. So, being a widow and being raised by a widow makes me want to create more opportunities for others.”

Thakur Rajbansi said that in 2001, she was part of the KZN Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and learnt about a report by the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. The report said that the UN gave widows a grant.

“It mentioned that Africa had the highest number of widows … I raised the issue of a widows’ grant, but nothing happened.”

During a council sitting last week, Thakur Rajbansi motioned for the widows’ support grant to be added to the Act.

“Each province had the chance to submit its suggestions of what should be added or removed from the act. I used my time to raise my voice on how vulnerable widows are and how important it was to have this grant.”

On Tuesday, she attended a KZN Department of Social Development (DSD) Portfolio Committee meeting where she suggested the grant. She said suggestions would be submitted to the National Council of Provinces today and to the National Assembly where it would be debated.

Thakur Rajbansi said she also suggested it be R1 800 – the same as an old-age grant.

Sheila Maharaj, the founder of the Shiv Shakti Sanathan Dharma Sabha, said many widows turned to the organisation for help.

“Financially, these women struggle. They have to constantly be burdens on their extended families, asking for money and hand-outs. A widow’s grant would give them their dignity back.”

The DSD said it would be premature to comment on the public comments or the suggestions while the process has not been finalised.

“This process is meant to inform us on what should be covered or included.”

The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities declined to comment and referred the POST to the Commission for Gender Equality. It did not comment at the time of publication.