Story by Aifheli Mudau
THE need for an upward review of pension benefits and the provision of non-monetary benefits dominated discussions during the State Pensions Bill public consultations held in Plumtree on Tuesday.
In a move aimed at strengthening social safety nets for those who were in active service, the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare visited Plumtree in Matabeleland South Province to gather public input on the Bill.
Participants emphasised the need to increase pension benefits and called for the inclusion of non-monetary benefits.
“I think the pensions payout should be increased to at least US$150 or way above that so that we can have a decent life,” a participant said.
Another stated, “The Bill should consider that pensioners at their age need a lot of support and as such, the payouts should be better.”
“All workers should be given a lump sum of money mid-journey of their working life so that they can start some life-changing projects if they so wish,” added a participant.
The Portfolio Committee Chairperson Honourable Taurai Dexter Malinganiso said the consultations are meant to get public input as government seeks to fine-tune the State Service Pensions Fund to ensure timely payments.
“We want to get the views of the people so that we know how best they want these funds to be worked.”
The Second Republic continues to craft and review various policies to improve livelihoods as the country journeys towards an upper-middle-income society by 2030.
