The Zimbabwean government has moved to extend the retirement age for civil servants and uniformed personnel from 65 to 70 years. This decision, made by the Public Service Commission (PSC), aims to optimize the experience and expertise within the public sector. By allowing skilled workers to remain in the workforce for a longer period, the policy seeks to enhance efficiency and continuity in government services. This change was formalized with the publication of Statutory Instrument 197 of 2024, titled the Public Service (Amendment) Regulations, 2024 (No. 3), on December 30, 2024.
New Regulations for Civil Servants’ Retirement
According to the new regulation, civil servants appointed before the effective date of the policy can still retire at 65, but they now have the option to continue working until the age of 70, all while continuing to receive a full pension. Employees hired after the effective date, however, will have a pensionable retirement age set directly at 70. The goal is to ensure that experienced personnel continue contributing their skills and knowledge to the government sector, helping to maintain a more robust and skilled workforce.
Zimbabwe Extends Retirement Age for Civil Servants to 70 Amid ChallengesWhile the new policy was welcomed by many, its rollout has faced challenges, particularly in the education sector. Some teachers, who were expecting to remain employed until the age of 70, have been ordered to retire early and vacate their positions. Headmasters have reportedly told teachers to leave their posts, citing a lack of formal authorization for the extension. A delay in the issuance of the official circular from the PSC has led to confusion and administrative hurdles within educational institutions.
Delayed Circular Causes Confusion
Moses Mhike, the Permanent Secretary for Primary and Secondary Education, confirmed that the delay in issuing the necessary circular from the PSC had led to misunderstandings and disrupted the implementation of the retirement age extension. According to Mhike, the circular was received late, and only recently did the ministry begin to disseminate it to their structures. The delay caused confusion and left teachers uncertain about their retirement status, complicating the enforcement of the new guidelines.
The government has justified the extension of the retirement age by referencing national demographics and changes in life expectancy. Justice, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi highlighted that rising life expectancy in Zimbabwe means many people now live well into their 80s, making it increasingly practical to retain skilled workers beyond the age of 65. The policy, therefore, aims to capitalize on the longer, healthier lives of citizens, ensuring that experienced public servants continue to play an active role in the country’s governance.