BY NOXOLO DLAMINI
MKHUZWENI- Pensioners have questioned why commercial banks continue to classify them as “high risk” when applying for loans, arguing that they remain legitimate bank customers who deserve fair and dignified access to financial services.
The concerns were raised yesterday at Mkhuzweni Technical Centre, during a session attended by Honourable Sicelo Khungankhosi Dlamini, where pensioners and elderly citizens gathered to raise issues affecting their livelihoods and financial wellbeing.
The pensioners expressed frustration that despite receiving their pensions through financial institutions and maintaining relationships with banks, they can face difficulties when seeking loans simply because of their age and retirement status.
“We are customers too,” was the underlying message from the pensioners, who questioned whether being elderly should automatically make them high-risk customers.
The issue comes as many pensioners face financial responsibilities that do not necessarily end with retirement. Some continue supporting their families, assisting grandchildren and meeting household expenses, making access to affordable financial services an important concern.
The pensioners also called on government to consider giving them 25% of their gratuity, arguing that receiving a portion of their retirement benefits could provide much-needed financial relief and allow them to address pressing needs.
For the elderly, the discussion was not simply about accessing loans or receiving money. It was about financial dignity and recognition after years of contributing to their families, communities and the country.
The meeting also gave pensioners an opportunity to raise other concerns affecting their welfare, including retirement funds and social support. The engagement further saw elderly citizens receiving free medical attention through a collaboration involving friends from Taiwan and the Ministry of Health.
The pensioners’ concerns place the spotlight on the broader question of how financial institutions and government can better support citizens during retirement, particularly those who spent their working years contributing to the country’s economy.
Their message was clear, Retirement should not mean being treated as a financial liability.
#KUTAWLUNGA #EswatiniPositiveNews#Pensioners #SiceloKhungankhosiDlamini #MkhuzweniTechnicalCentre #FinancialInclusion #Retirement#Gratuity #ElderlyCitizens #PensionRights #Banks
#Eswatini
(Courtesy Pic)
