High cost of living and municipal bills have made beggars out of Musina's older population

In the lead-up to the 2019 general elections, the border town of Musina in Limpopo reeled from unrest over poor service delivery and lack of water, which resulted in schools being set alight.

Violence first broke out in 2016 and then later in 2022, mainly over water shortages.

As the 2024 polls draw closer, Musina residents who spoke to News24 said their issues remained unresolved, but more pressing in the area was a new epidemic where older people have resorted to begging in a gruelling cost-of-living crisis.