A proposal to extend the retirement age for municipal workers to 70 years has sparked division among City of Harare councillors, following the adoption of a national policy directive aligning with recent changes introduced by central government.
The retirement age issue came under scrutiny during a recent full council meeting, where councillors reviewed a human resources report detailing steps taken to implement the policy, which follows a statutory instrument issued by President Emmerson Mnangagwa affecting public sector employees — including those in local authorities
Ward 16 Councillor Denford Ngadziore voiced firm opposition to the policy, arguing that local government should not automatically enforce all central government decisions, especially those with direct implications for youth employment and worker wellbeing.
“We’re pushing university graduates into prolonged unemployment by extending retirement repeatedly,” Ngadziore said.
“We moved from 55 to 60, then to 65 — now it’s 70. At this rate, we’ll soon be discussing 75 or even 80.”
He also raised concerns about older employees being required to carry out physically demanding tasks, saying such practices infringe on workers’ rights to a dignified and timely retirement.
“It’s concerning to see elderly staff climbing onto refuse trucks. Retirement should offer rest, not risk. We can’t ignore the same ethical principles we apply in protecting children from labour,” he added.
Despite the objections, Council Human Resources Committee Chairperson George Mujajati confirmed the city had started implementing the directive in line with the national framework.
“We have adopted the government policy and are in the process of rolling it out across departments,” Mujajati told the council.
The move is part of a broader public sector reform intended to standardize employment policies nationwide. However, the proposal has reignited debate about inter-generational equity, with critics arguing that prolonged tenures at the top stifle entry-level opportunities in an economy already grappling with high youth unemployment.
As of now, the council has not reached a definitive position on whether to fully enforce or revise the policy. Discussions are ongoing, and a final resolution will depend on consensus among elected officials.
The controversy highlights the growing tension between national directives and local labour realities, as Zimbabwe’s urban centres try to balance the needs of experienced workers with the urgency of creating space for new entrants into the job market.
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