Mohale FM The Principal Chief of Kueneng and Mapoteng, Chief Peete Lesaoana Peete, has called on fellow traditional leaders to actively support elderly residents by ensuring that all pensioners report to their designated pay stations on dates set by the Ministry of Gender, Youth and Social Development.
Chief Peete made the appeal during a meeting of chiefs held in Bela-Bela, where he emphasised the crucial role of traditional leaders in guiding and assisting pensioners to comply with the new pension payment requirements.
He said chiefs have a responsibility to ensure that every eligible elderly person receives their pension, noting that many pensioners rely on local leadership for guidance and information.
The call follows the introduction of an in-person verification exercise by the Ministry of Gender, Youth and Social Development after it emerged that some individuals were unlawfully collecting pension funds on behalf of deceased beneficiaries.
Under the new measures, pensioners are required to present themselves at their respective pay points to confirm that they are alive. The ministry has warned that failure to comply may result in delayed or missed payments.
The verification exercise is aimed at strengthening accountability and ensuring that only living and eligible pensioners continue to benefit from government support. Chief Peete said traditional leaders are well placed to disseminate information at village level and assist elderly residents to understand and comply with the new requirements.
