Pensioners are urging the government to increase their pension payouts, stating that current allocations fall woefully short of meeting their basic needs in the face of rising living costs.
The National Social Security Authority (NSSA) is currently paying pensioners around US$50 a month.
During the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee’s public consultations for the 2025 National Budget, held in Bulawayo on Wednesday, retirees expressed frustration over inadequate financial support post-retirement.
Dorcas Dengu, a former employee of the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education with 41 years of service, lamented that her pension fails to reflect her years of hard work and dedication.
“I dedicated 41 years of my life to public service,” Dengu stated. “Yesterday, when I went to collect my pension, the amount I received was barely enough to buy a pack of 18 rolls of tissue paper. This is not a fair reflection of my contributions.”
Dengu highlighted a broader issue concerning the treatment of elderly citizens, noting, “We all know that we need to care for our elderly, yet the government is failing us. In developed nations, seniors receive far better support. Moreover, the staff at pension offices often treat us poorly. They need training on how to interact respectfully with older individuals.”
Another participant, speaking on behalf of teachers, said there is a need for increased funding to better compensate educators.
“The ministry must allocate more funds to teachers,” he said. “What they earn now is insufficient. If a teacher is making only US$200, how can they afford rent, pay for their children’s education, and put food on the table?”
He added, “We owe our education to teachers, yet their salaries do not reflect the vital role they play in society. Many are forced to seek additional income, which distracts them from giving their full attention to their students.”
