THE Local Government and Public Works ministry has announced a significant change in the pensionable age for local authority workers, extending it 70 years.
In a recent circular signed by minister Daniel Garwe dated April 7, 2025, the new directive follows the promulgation of Statutory Instrument 197 of 2024.
The circular outlines key provisions and implementation guidelines.
Members appointed before January 1, 2025 can retire at the age stipulated in their contracts, while those who wish to go beyond that age can continue serving up to 70 years.
“The mandatory retirement age in local authorities is now 70 years,” the circular read.
“However, members appointed before January 1, 2025 are permitted to retire at the age stipulated in their contracts of employment.
“Members, who do not wish to continue serving beyond the age stipulated in their original contracts of employment shall notify the town clerk, town secretary, chief executive officer in writing, six months before their effective date of retirement, for processing.”
Garwe also extended stipulated age for early retirement from 55 to 60 years for members appointed on or after January 1, 2025.
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For those appointed before this date, the early retirement age remains 55 years.
“The stipulated age for early retirement for members appointed into the service of local authorities has been increased from 55 years to 60 years,” he said.
“However, for those members appointed before January 1, 2025, it shall remain at 55 years.”
The circular from the minister states that no person can be appointed on pensionable conditions of service at or beyond the age of 55, but such individuals may be engaged on annually-renewable contracts.
“No person can be appointed on pensionable conditions of service at or beyond the age of 55 years.
“However, such a person may be engaged on annually-renewable contracts.
“Those wishing to renew their contracts of employment shall notify the town clerk, town secretary, chief executive officer (who) will then seek authority from the minister responsible for Local Government for the renewal of the contract, thereafter normal recruitment processes will apply.”
However, members who retired on or before December 31, 2024, shall not be affected by the provisions of this circular, Garwe said.
