Older Persons Act at last!!!!
 
The Older Persons bill was signed into law by the President of the republic of Zimbabwe on the 18th of September 2012.
The Act will pave way for selected social protection mechanisms and an older persons fund will be set aside for such purposes.

Through this Act, a commission or board that will ensure the smooth implementation of the older persons act as well as addressing other emerging issues affecting senior citizens in Zimbabwe will be set up. This board will also work hand in glove with all relevant authorities and include older persons themselves in policy implementation.

Apart from these provisions, the act brings with it respect and recognition of the grey head. Due to the dilapidation of the social fabric, older persons were no longer recognized as important and equal members in society.

Sekuru Gumbochuma (69) a retired marketing manager of one of the leading beverages manufacturers indicated that “ I have been changing jobs as much as I change shirts, I’m not on pension at the moment. I have read in newspapers that people survive on one dollar a day or less. I rarely get that dollar but today I’m happy that at least one day I will be able to receive a pension from my government. At least in a way I will get back into the cash economy. You see older persons have been suffering for years and this act will alleviate most of the problems faced by older persons”
Mbuya Gumbo (88) of Zvishavane added that they can now afford to look after those under their care well.

 “We can now look after orphans and other children under our care without many difficulties. I encourage the government to ensure that we quickly receive our pensions for we have suffered a lot”, she said
The older person’s bill was drafted by the then Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare (now Ministry of Labour and Social Services) in June 2002 following recommendations made at the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing Summit in May that same year. Zimbabwe made history by becoming the first African country to draft a policy meant to improve the living standards of older persons in the country.

But 10 years down the line and passing through the hands of at least five Ministers the older persons bill did not see the light of the day.
Armed with its mandate to improve the living standards of all older persons in Zimbabwe, regardless of race, gender, political affiliation and creed or colour, HelpAge Zimbabwe (HAZ) took it upon itself to ensure that the older person’s bill is enacted. The long journey had its ups and downs, smiles and frustrations but today, the dignity of older persons has been restored.
HelpAge Zimbabwe Director Mrs. Priscilla Gavi was on cloud nine after she received news that the bill had been signed by the President.

“For the past 10 years HelpAge Zimbabwe has been trying without success to have a law that protects older persons .However, this year is historical for having an Act of Parliament that covers the rights of older persons. This was achieved by the enactment of the law and this fulfilled HAZ vision to have a well-cared for older generation”, said Mrs Gavi.
Mrs. Gavi was also thank- full to all those who contributed to HAZ mission of having a society of all ages that respects each individual regardless of their age.

“Many organizations, individuals, and government departments played a major role in attaining this feat. I would like to extend my appreciation of the role played by the Ministry of Labour and Social Services for drafting the older persons bill in 2002, The PRP which represents a consortium of donors led by DFID for financing some of HAZ advocacy initiatives and pilot projects, HelpAge International through the Age Demands Action campaign, HAZ Board of Directors staff, Friends of HelpAge Zimbabwe, the Parliamentary Portfolio committee on Labour and Social Services for understanding the plea of older persons, older persons groups who participated in various advocacy activities over the years and all stakeholders ,” she stated.

“Our role is to complement Government efforts at all times by mobilizing resources and we are pleased that the first part of this exercise to have an Act of parliament is complete, and the challenges of implementation and further reviews remain everyone’s business and work in progress.”