The Public Service Commission (PSC) has issued a circular to all Government Ministries announcing that Statutory Instrument 197 of 2024, the Public Service (Amendment) Regulations, 2024 (No. 3), is now in effect.
The regulation stipulates that for public service employees appointed before the effective date, the pensionable age is 65, with the option to retire at 70 years while still receiving a full pension.
The circular, titled Circular No. 3 of 2025, was signed by the PSC Secretary, Sibusisiwe Zembe, and dated January 28, 2025. It reads in part:
<blockquote>
Following the coming into effect of Statutory Instrument 197 of 2024 on 01 January 2025, you are hereby advised to adhere to the following key provisions and implementation guidelines of the new regulations:
1. The mandatory retirement age for members appointed into Public Service is now seventy (70) years.
2. The stipulated age for early retirement for members is now sixty (60) years upon approval of the Commission.
3. Section 6(b)(1) of Statutory Instrument 1 of 2000, as amended, regarding the age limit to appointment on pensionable conditions of service, is still in force. This, therefore, means that a candidate shall not be appointed to the Public Service on pensionable conditions of service if he or she is fifty (50) years of age or above. However, any such person may be appointed on contract for a specified period of service.
4. Members below the age of sixty (60) and above the fifty-five (55) who were in service prior to 1 January 2025, can retire upon the approval of the Commission.
5. Members who were in service prior to 1 January 2025, are allowed to retire at sixty- five (65) upon giving notice.
6. The provisions of Statutory Instrument 197 of 2024 shall not apply to persons who retired on or before 31 December 2024.
</blockquote>

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The government has changed the rules for when civil servants can retire. Before, they could retire at 60, but now they can wait until they are 70 and still get their full pension. If they want to retire early, they can do so at 60 with permission. If they were already working before the new rules took effect, they can retire at 65. People over 55 can also retire with approval. These new rules do not apply to people who retired before December 31, 2024.

PSC Announces New Retirement Age Guidelines For Civil Servants

The Public Service Commission (PSC) has begun implementing regulations to extend the retirement age for civil servants and uniformed personnel from 65 to 70 years, reported <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/govt-starts-implementing-new-retirement-age/">The Herald</a>.
This change follows concerns from government workers, particularly teachers, about the delay in enacting the new law.
Statutory Instrument 197 of 2024, known as the Public Service (Amendment) Regulations, 2024 (No. 3), was published on December 30, 2024.
The regulation states that for public service employees appointed before the effective date, the pensionable age is 65 years, with the option to retire at 70 years with a full pension.
For those appointed on or after the effective date, the pensionable age is set at 70 years.
Despite this, some employees, particularly teachers, have been asked to retire, even if they had expressed a desire to extend their retirement age to 70.
Some teachers have also faced eviction from school quarters as headmasters instructed them to retire, arguing that they had not received a circular formally allowing the extension.
In an interview with The Herald on Wednesday, Moses Mhike, Permanent Secretary for Primary and Secondary Education, said that the implementation of the regulations had been delayed due to factors involving the PSC. Said Mhike:
<blockquote>
We got a circular yesterday from PSC and we have started sharing it with our structures. Yes PSC had delayed issuing the circular to guide Line Ministries.
</blockquote>
Justice, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi said that the decision to extend the retirement age was aimed at utilising the skills and experience of individuals who have reached 65.
He also said the extension reflects the country’s rising life expectancy, with middle-aged adults now living into their 80s.

The government is extending the retirement age for teachers and civil servants from 65 to 70 years. Some teachers have been asked to retire before they turn 70, even if they want to work longer. This change is meant to keep experienced workers in their jobs for longer. The delay in implementing the new law caused confusion and uncertainty for many employees. The government hopes the new retirement age will make use of workers' skills and experience as people live longer.

Teachers And Civil Servants Face Uncertainty Over Retirement Age Extension

The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has voiced its disapproval of the government’s decision to extend the retirement age for civil servants and uniformed forces, stating that the move fails to address the fundamental welfare issues affecting its employees and pensioners.
This comes after the government, through Statutory Instrument 197 of 2024, increased the retirement age for civil servants and uniformed officers by five years, effective January 1, 2025.
Under the new regulations, civil servants can now retire at the age of 70, up from the previous 65, while regular soldiers’ retirement age has been raised to 55 from 50, with the option to serve until 60 or 65 for war veterans.
In a statement issued this Friday, January 24th, ZCTU’s Acting Secretary General, Runesu Dzimiri, criticized the government’s approach, arguing that the administration needs to address the pressing welfare challenges faced by its employees to make retirement a more attractive prospect. He said:
<blockquote>
Civil servants and pensioners are plagued with serious welfare challenges arising from poor remuneration and working conditions that are pauperising them to the extent that they involuntarily find it reasonable to work forever instead of resting and enjoying their old age
</blockquote>
Dzimiri said it was outrageous for the government to unilaterally extend the retirement age, without engaging in adequate consultations with its employees and their representatives.
He said that while it is optional to work beyond the previous retirement age is available, this choice should not be driven by desperation or the fear of poverty in retirement, but rather by genuine desires and needs. Said Dzimiri:
<blockquote>
The government must pay above Poverty Datum Line salaries so that a worker can be at liberty to continue working or proceed on retirement without reservations.
Government policy need to unlock employment opportunities for thousands of youths graduating from universities, polytechnics and vocational training institutions instead of shutting them out of employment.
The move entails a five year ‘freeze’ or insignificant payment of pension gratuities with government saving millions of dollars.
The move may also disadvantage some workers who may die before reaching the age of 70 as their benefits would be significantly reduced.
</blockquote>
Dzimiri called on the government to revisit the retirement age reform, urging the administration to respect senior citizens and focus on policies that bring direct and tangible benefits to its employees and pensioners rather than crafting measures that the ZCTU perceives as akin to “slave policies” intended to extricate the government from its responsibilities.

The ZCTU is not happy that the government in Zimbabwe has extended the retirement age for civil servants and uniformed forces. They think the government should focus on improving the workers' pay and working conditions instead. The new retirement age is 70 for civil servants and 55 for regular soldiers. ZCTU believes that workers should not be forced to work longer due to poverty fears. The ZCTU wants the government to reconsider this decision and focus on policies that help the workers and pensioners. The government will save money by delaying pension payments, but workers may suffer if they pass away before they can retire.

ZCTU Slams Civil Servant Retirement Age Extension

Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi said that extending the retirement age for uniformed forces and civil servants aims to utilise their skills and experience effectively.
In an interview with <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/govt-clarifies-retirement-age-extension/">The Herald </a>on Tuesday, Ziyambi said this decision also considers the increasing life expectancy in the country, where middle-aged adults are now averaging into their 80s.
Effective immediately, the retirement age for members of the uniformed forces and the three civilian public services has been increased by five years.
Ziyambi explained that without this adjustment, either pensions would need to be reduced or the working population would have to support a larger number of older individuals.
He pointed out that advancements in technology and medicine have contributed to longer life spans, and many jobs do not require extensive physical labour. He stated:
<blockquote>
Why waste productivity and experience? Instead, we must tap into that. We must harness experience to ensure efficiency.
We started with the judges to say those capable must serve on the bench to harness experience in justice delivery.
</blockquote>
The retirement age for judges was adjusted to 70, with the option to serve until 75 for those who are mentally and physically fit.
Ziyambi addressed concerns from young people about employment opportunities, reassuring them that the job market would eventually adapt to these changes, as older workers will retire over time.
According to Statutory Instrument 198 of 2024, the retirement age for civil servants has been raised from 65 to 70.
Regular soldiers can now retire at 55, an increase from 50, with options to extend their service to 60 and even 65.
Additionally, commissioned officers in the Zimbabwe Defence Forces can now retire at 65, with the possibility to serve until 70.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The government of Zimbabwe is letting people in the military and civil service work for longer because they have valuable skills and experience. They also considered that people are living longer now. The retirement age has been increased by five years for these workers. This is to make sure pensions stay the same and not burden younger workers. The retirement age for judges is now 70, with an option to work until 75 if healthy. The government says the job market will adapt to these changes, offering more opportunities to younger people.

Zimbabwe Government Clarifies Retirement Age Extension For Uniformed Forces, Civil Servants

The government has increased the retirement age for members of the uniformed forces. According to Statutory Instrument (SI) 198 of 2024, the retirement age for regular soldiers is now 55, up from 50.
Members can extend their service up to 60 years, and up to 65 years if they are war veterans. For Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) commissioned officers, the retirement age is now 65, with an option to stay up to 70 years of age.
These changes will take effect from 1 January 2025. The SI states:
<blockquote>
IT is hereby notified that the Minister of Defence, in terms of section 113 of the Defence Act [Chapter 11:02], and after consultation with the Defence Forces Service Commission, has made the following regulations:-
1. These regulations may be cited as the Defence (Regular Force) (Non-Commissioned Members) (Amendment) Regulations, 2024 (No. 8). 
2025.
2. These regulations shall come into effect on the 1st January,
3. The Defence (Regular Force) (Non-Commissioned Members) Regulations, 1989, published in Statutory Instrument 172 of 1989, are amended in section 18 (“Retirement”) by the repeal of subsections (4), (5) and (6) and the substitution of-
“(4) A permanent member shall, whatever the length of his or her pensionable service, retire on attaining the age of fifty-five years:
Provided that-
(a) if the Minister, on the recommendation of the Commander, considers that it is desirable in the public interest, he or she may allow that member to continue to serve for a period of five years until he or she attains the age of sixty years; or
(b) if that member is allowed to continue to serve in terms of paragraph (a), the Commander may, on giving twelve months’ written notice to the member of his or her intention to do so, require him or her to retire before he or she has served that period.
(5) A member who has continued to serve in terms of proviso (a) to subsection (4) shall retire on attaining the age of sixty years:
Provided that a member who is a war veteran shall continue to serve for further periods, not exceeding twelve months at a time, until he or she attains the age of sixty-five years.
(6) A member who has continued to serve in terms of subsection (5) shall retire on attaining the age of sixty-five years.”
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The government has made a new rule saying soldiers can now retire when they are older. Regular soldiers can retire at 55, but can work until they're 60 or 65 if they want. Leaders in the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) can retire at 65 but can work until they're 70 if they choose. These rules start on January 1, 2025. Soldiers can keep working longer if they are needed.

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