The opposition Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) says it will repeal the statutory instrument which was signed by government for increasing the retirement age from 55 to 65 years if it forms government.
FDD spokesperson Antonio Mwanza said the decision by government contradicts the constitutional provision that all public service workers were free to retire upon reaching the age of 55 years.
Mr. Mwanza said increased retirement age was irrational as it did not take into account crucial social and economic realities obtaining in the country’s labour industry.
In a statement made available to ZANIS in Lusaka today, Mr. Mwanza noted that Zambia had a young population with over 80 percent of it being under the age of 45 years.
He wondered when room for young people would be created if people were forced to remain in office until the age of 65.
Mr. Mwanza said it was only right for people to be given an opportunity to retire while they still had energy and drive to enjoy the fruits of their labour.
And Mr. Mwanza has noted that some workers, through their respective unions, rejected the proposal to increase the retirement age from 55 years to 65 years.
He urged government to learn to consult and listen to the voices of the people before making major decisions adding that good governance required inclusiveness.
On November 19 this year, Acting President Guy Scott signed the statutory instrument to effect the change of retirement age from 55 to 65 year.
The statutory instrument states in part that, ‘an officer in the public service shall retire on the 65th anniversary of the date of officer’s birth’.
The signing of the statutory instrument attracted opposition from the Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) Secretary General Roy Mwaba who argued that the changes in the retirement age were unconstitutional.
Yaba wats this nw,its no wonder we hav the likes of shrek comin out of retirement tryin to b presidents again
The best PF policy, hats off! Research Studies on retirement age have shown that raising age limit from 55 to 65 carries no negative impact on younger labour force.New changes adapt into the system in short to medium term.
This age range (55-65)is a period of entrenched work experience, maturity and consistency in productivity.Usually, owing to reduced family dependancy. In most families,younger children would be graduating from high schools, colleges and universities.
As such get better results given that they go through entire education system with full parental financial support.Cycle of family poverty is mitigated also given that older children start their first job while parents are still in employment.Financial stability raises life expectancy, ultimately economy benefits…
I think Zambia should just close for renovations. ..FDD sure…still trying to get into the office. ..
third world people cannot understand the long term benefits of the increase in retirement age!
Nubian princess…..ati third world people sure naiwe…that’s not nice…ain’t you just an immigrant in the US….awe mwandi napapa
At 55 you have more experience and wisdom to handle issues and technically sound, this is a good move by government to increase the retirement age to 65.
looking at experience, lessons learnt,
this really is a good move by government to increase the retirement age to 65.
Professionalism plays its role, and we feel safer.
many people in Zambia don’t want to retire. They would rather die at work. You can even increase it to 80 years still they would accept.
Retirement age in South Africa, Botswana, UK and many other developed countries is above 60. and why not Zambia???
This is not the time to react to events but rather explain your manifesto to the electorate. Are u going to rule the country with one member of parliament? Please, be serious
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Guys,
I took retirement from aged 40-50, when I left Chililabombwe. During the intervening years, I was able to see my 3 sons grow up. I came out of retirement at age 50, and have been working still, 11 years on. The benefits are:
1) I have the verve of a fresh graduate, but with 25 years solid experience behind me
2) I do not have the encumbrance of a dependant family to shackle me
3) I can concentrate on adding shareholder value, and mentoring of my less experienced subordinates
4) I’m financially secured, so money is not my motivation
I’m enjoying my career now…More than any time in my life
FDD find something better to base your campaign on. We the civil servants are not complaining and are okay with the retirement age. No wonder why you people lose vote, because you don’t consult the affected people. Any party with the intention to reverse will lose votes mark my words. Talk about how you are going increase the industrial base so that they are more jobs created and not that rubbish of yours.
The government has been compelled to sign the SI revising retirement age first under the circumstances for political expediency and second it has no money to settle retirees benefits. Retirement has brought about untold misery as receiving benefits becomes a nightmare and in revising retirement age upwards government is buying time on payouts and in the final analysis make gains on unclaimed benefits considering average life expectancy which is in the 40’s! No wonder that even now one at retirement is being asked to provide details of beneficiaries when the retiree is supposed to be the sole beneficiary! One also wonders if this retirement revision will not negatively impact on medium scale investments and job creation.