Online Reporter
Vusumuzi Dube, Deputy Radar Editor
THE Ministry of Local Government and Public Works has issued guidance to all local authorities on the implications of Statutory Instrument 197 of 2024, which came into effect on 1 January 2025, regarding the retirement age of members of the Public Service and Heads of Public Entities.
Among the new provisions, the mandatory retirement age has been set at 70 years, while no individual may now be appointed on pensionable conditions of service at or beyond the age of 55.
In a circular addressed to mayors and council chairpersons, the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe, stated that although the new mandatory retirement age for local authorities is 70 years, individuals appointed before 1 January 2025 may retire at the age specified in their existing contracts.
“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 or Chief Executive Officer in writing, six months prior to the effective date of retirement, for processing.
“The stipulated age for early retirement for members appointed into the service of local authorities has been increased from 55 years to 60 years. However, for those appointed before 1 January 2025, it shall remain at 55 years.
Early retirement for members appointed on or after 1 January 2025 shall be 60 years. The mandatory retirement age for such members is 70 years,” said the Minister.
He further directed that, under the new provisions, local authorities shall not appoint any individual on pensionable conditions of service at or beyond the age of 55 years.
“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 shall notify the Town Clerk, Town Secretary or Chief Executive Officer, who will then seek approval from the Minister responsible for Local Government. Following this, the normal recruitment processes will apply.
“Members who retire on or before 31 December 2024 shall not be affected by the provisions of this circular. Please ensure that all relevant personnel within your local authority have been informed of this directive. The interpretation of this circular lies with the Minister responsible for Local Government. Please be guided accordingly,” the circular reads.
