Online Reporter
Zimpapers Reporter
THE Public Service Commission (PSC) is set to host a retirement planning conference in Bulawayo from 24 to 26 September at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) grounds. The event, which is expected to be attended by President Mnangagwa as the guest speaker, aims to prepare prospective pensioners for a dignified and financially secure life after employment.
According to the PSC, the conference is designed to shift the traditional mindset that retirement depends solely on pension payouts, which are often insufficient to sustain a comfortable lifestyle. The Commission identified a gap in retirement preparedness, noting that many employees are not adequately planning for life after work, resulting in financial hardship. In response, the PSC has established a new department — Retirement Planning — tasked with equipping workers with the skills and knowledge to start small businesses and investment ventures while still employed.
The conference will bring together partners from the financial services sector, regulatory bodies, and the private sector. It will also offer information and opportunities for prospective pensioners to launch their own projects. The PSC emphasised that the initiative goes beyond financial security; it is also about helping individuals maintain a sense of purpose and wellbeing after leaving the workforce.
The conversation around alternative income streams has gained urgency following the devastating effects of Zimbabwe’s 2008 hyperinflation, which wiped out the value of retirement savings and left many retirees without a financial cushion. This experience has highlighted the importance of proactively building business ventures during one’s working years, rather than relying solely on traditional retirement savings.
This year’s conference follows a successful inaugural event held in Harare last year, which saw several participants embark on life-changing business ventures. These success stories will be showcased as testimonials at the upcoming Bulawayo conference. Hosting the event in Bulawayo aligns with the Government’s policy of “Leaving no one and no place behind.” The PSC also plans to hold similar conferences in other regions across the country in future.
The PSC is a constitutional body in Zimbabwe responsible for managing the civil service. Its core functions include appointing, promoting, and disciplining public servants. The Commission also sets conditions of service, handles employee grievances, and ensures the efficient and impartial operation of the public service. In essence, it serves as the central human resources authority for the Government, working to ensure that public service delivery aligns with national policy and meets the needs of citizens.
