Harare, (New Ziana) – Retirement should not signify a retreat but a time of reawakening for pensioners, allowing them to leverage their expertise in new ventures, to mentor future generations, and enhance local governance systems, President Emmerson Mnangagwa said on Wednesday.
In a speech read on his behalf by Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri at the inaugural Public Sector Retirement conference in the capital, he said opportunities were abound in all sectors for pensioners to leverage their skills and promote economic and social growth within their communities.
He said government focus on retirement planning reflected the Second Republic’s steadfast commitment to enhancing the welfare of those who have served the nation with dedication and honour.
“Social protection is centred on dignity in retirement. This dignity is borne out of the prosperity that comes from the sweat of those who selflessly serve the nation.
“As we write this new chapter, our focus is the dignity and empowerment of Government workers. We must ensure that retirement is not an endpoint but a meaningful new chapter contributing to the prosperity of our provinces, districts, and communities,” said President Mnangagwa.
He added that the conference, themed “Embracing a New Chapter: Empowering Public Sector Workers for Retirement with Dignity,” showcased the progress the government had made in strengthening social protection.
President Mnangagwa stated that the legal framework ensuring social protection is inclusive, as outlined in the country’s Constitution, Act 20 of 2013, along with other laws that provide the necessary guidelines for discussions focused on the post-employment landscape.
“Recognising the challenges faced by retirees and the need to empower public servants to retire with dignity, the government has implemented a raft of measures to ensure a secure, dignified post-employment phase.
“These include both contributory and non-contributory schemes. The government adopted a prime benefit pension scheme which provides eligible employees with guaranteed income for life when they retire,” he said.
The occasion saw Minister Muchinguri officially launching the Retirement Planning Module, a comprehensive tool to empower Zimbabwean retirees for a secure and fulfilling post-working life.
The three-day conference, organised by the Public Service Commission, drew pensioners, active members of the public service and retirement experts to discuss opportunities to secure the dignity, financial independence and health of civil servants after retirement.
New Ziana