-by Newsbreak's Taresh Harreeparshad.

Pensioners on Newsbreak Talk have called on the Ethekwini Municipality to provide a wider rollout of municipal rates rebates for senior citizens. This comes as the cost of living continues to rise. The Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice & Dignity Group calculates that the average food basket of essential food items increased by R136,29- or 2,6%- from R5 330,30 in May 2024 to R5 466,59 in May 2025. Residents say they need some concession on their monthly municipal bills- because they can not afford to make end meet. Joining conversation is Policy & Compliance Manager at eThekwini Municipality's Revenue Department Fikile Manqele and Ethekwini Councillor Jonathan Annipen from the IFP.