Harare Council Chiefs Dodge Retirement as Age Limit Rises to 70

A number of senior Harare City Council (HCC) officials have dodged the retirement axe after the government raised the pensionable age for local authority workers to 70—a move that’s breathing new life into dozens of public service careers.

The new policy, signed last month, gives a fresh lease on office life to officials who were nearing retirement including acting town clerk Phakamile Mabhena Moyo by allowing them to remain in their posts for several more years.

HCC human resources committee chairperson George Mujajati confirmed the city’s full compliance with the new directive.

“We received a circular on the retirement age of our workers, which Minister Daniel Garwe said should be 70 years, and we are abiding by the circular,” said Mujajati.

“We are complying with the directive, there is no question about that, and it’s a lifeline to several workers who will continue in their positions.”

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According to the circular, employees appointed before January 1, 2025, can retire based on the age stated in their existing contracts.

However, they now have the option to continue serving until 70.

For those appointed on or after January 1, 2025, the minimum early retirement age has also been raised from 55 to 60.

The new policy is being hailed as a morale booster among senior staff, many of whom now find themselves with unexpected career extensions.