Zimbabwe’s Pension Age Hike Sparks Public Outrage and Political Debate

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has stirred controversy by increasing the pensionable age limit for security personnel and civil servants, a move labeled as indicative of national turmoil.

Effective January 1, 2025, the retirement age jumps to 70 for civil servants and uniformed forces, stirring unrest among the workforce.

Regular soldiers can now retire at 55 instead of 50, with an option to serve until 65, while commissioned officers have their retirement age set at 65, extendable to 70.

These changes were legally enacted through Statutory Instrument 197 of 2024, signed off on December 30, 2024.

The amendment aligns with Section 31 of the Public Service Act, reflecting a coordinated effort between key government ministries.

Opposition figures and critics argue this is a strategic move by Mnangagwa to curry favor, with whispers of a personal agenda to extend his political life beyond 2028.

Despite Mnangagwa’s stated intention to retire, his supporters clamor for constitutional changes to allow him more time in office.

Legal expert Thabani Mpofu criticized the move, suggesting it’s part of a larger scheme to secure Mnangagwa’s position into 2030.

Mpofu highlighted a pattern, noting first the judiciary, now security forces are being granted extended service, potentially locking in Mnangagwa’s power.

He warned that similar benefits might extend to Parliament, creating a dangerous imbalance in state power dynamics.

The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (Artuz) is taking action, planning a protest on January 14, 2025, against these policy shifts.

Artuz leader Obert Masaraure criticized the government for making decisions that further impoverish the working class, without public consultation.

Masaraure pointed out the irony of raising the retirement age while wages stagnate, leaving many civil servants struggling to survive.

He accused the government of draining pension funds, now forcing workers to labor until death, a sentiment met with strong opposition.

Masaraure’s comments reflect a broader disillusionment with the economic policies under Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube’s leadership.

He warned that these changes could be a prelude to an unconstitutional extension of Mnangagwa’s presidency, urging public resistance.

However, not all views align; National Constitutional Assembly’s Lovemore Madhuku sees no inherent issue with the age limit increase, arguing it’s optional.

Madhuku suggests that those wishing to retire at 65 can, indicating the policy might not be as oppressive as portrayed, given it allows for choice based on health and capability.