By Ziyah News Reporter
Pensioners in Masvingo expressed their discontent regarding inadequate pension payouts during a public hearing held by The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Public Services, Labour and Social Welfare on Tuesday, February 25, at the Civic Centre.
Many retirees voiced their struggles, stating that the meager financial support they receive has rendered them a “laughing stock” in society.
During the hearing on the state service (PENSIONS) BILL [H.B. 9, 2024], pensioners shared their heartbreaking experiences of having to forgo essential services, such as funeral and medical insurance, due to insufficient funds.
“The money we receive is too paltry to even cover our basic needs,We are forced to sacrifice our dignity and well-being,” one pensioner lamented.
“If only we could get at least two-thirds of what we used to earn, it would make such a difference in our lives,” another retiree added.
This sentiment was echoed by many attendees, who urged the committee to reconsider the pension calculations and implement reforms that could provide them with a more reasonable financial safety net.
The public hearing aimed to address the ongoing challenges faced by pensioners in Zimbabwe and gather input from affected individuals to inform the proposed legislative changes.
However, the consensus among the pensioners was clear: unless adjustments are made, many will continue to struggle to make ends meet in their twilight years.