MPs demand law overhaul

by Staff reporter


A parliamentary committee has called for urgent legal and policy reforms to improve the welfare of Zimbabwe's senior citizens, pensioners and retired professionals, warning that existing protections are fragmented and failing to adequately address the challenges faced by older persons.

The recommendations were made by a joint committee comprising the Portfolio Committee on Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare and the Thematic Committee on Human Rights following a petition submitted by the Power of Touch Institution.

The petition urged Parliament to review legislation governing the welfare of older persons and facilitate the enactment of a comprehensive Senior Citizens, Pensioners and Retired Professionals Act to strengthen protection and support for elderly Zimbabweans.

In its report, the committee painted a troubling picture of the conditions faced by many older citizens, citing widespread poverty, inadequate income security, limited access to healthcare and weak institutional support systems.

"There is widespread hardship among older persons in Zimbabwe, manifesting in poverty, inadequate income security, constrained access to health services, loss of dignity at public service points and weak institutional protection," the report stated.

The committee acknowledged that while Zimbabwe already has several laws and policies addressing issues affecting older persons, these measures are dispersed across various statutes and lack the cohesion required to provide comprehensive protection.

Lawmakers also noted that there remains no universally accepted definition of an "older person," with distinctions often needed between senior citizens, pensioners and retired professionals depending on the policy context.

According to the committee, current social protection mechanisms are neither broad enough nor adequately funded to address the scale of vulnerability affecting older Zimbabweans.

The report highlighted how inflation, currency instability and escalating healthcare costs have steadily eroded the value of pensions, savings and social assistance programmes, leaving many elderly citizens struggling to meet basic needs.

Healthcare emerged as one of the most pressing concerns raised during the inquiry.

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The committee found a significant gap between legal rights, policy commitments and the actual experiences of older persons seeking healthcare services.

"Even where a scheme exists, inadequate awareness, limited fiscal support, administrative bottlenecks and pressures within public health institutions can undermine effective access," the committee noted.

The report also expressed concern over reports of poor treatment of elderly people at public service institutions, where some are subjected to long waiting periods, neglect and indignity despite their vulnerability.

In response to the findings, the committee proposed a series of reforms aimed at strengthening social protection and improving the quality of life for older citizens.

Among its recommendations is a call for the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare to expedite the review of the Older Persons Act and related legislation by December 2026.

The committee also urged the government to develop a more comprehensive legal framework that addresses the unique needs of senior citizens, pensioners and retired professionals.

Treasury has been called upon to allocate increased funding to the Older Persons Fund and other social protection programmes in the 2027 national budget to enhance support for vulnerable elderly citizens.

The recommendations come as Zimbabwe's ageing population continues to face mounting economic pressures amid rising living costs and persistent challenges within the healthcare system.

If implemented, the proposed reforms could pave the way for stronger legal protections, improved healthcare access and enhanced social security for thousands of elderly Zimbabweans who have long complained of being overlooked in national development policies.

The committee's findings are expected to fuel further debate in Parliament on how best to safeguard the dignity, welfare and rights of older persons in the country.