CROP commends govt on pension reforms, urges…

The Consortium for the Rights and Welfare of Older Persons (CROP) has called for a peaceful political environment ahead of the August 13 general elections. Speaking during an interview with the media today, CROP Team Leader Geoffrey Chiesu says that with only a few days before the polls, political players should ensure peace is maintained. And Mr Chiyesu noted that the consortium was happy with the United Party for National Development (UPND) government for upholding democratic governance and maintaining a generally peaceful political environment.

He said the Consortium commends the government for transformative pension reforms and improved social protection for senior citizens. Mr Chiyesu therefore encouraged senior citizens to exercise their democratic rights responsibly. “We urge older persons to make informed choices that safeguard the progress already achieved in social protection and pension reforms by the UPND government, so that we protect the gains that have so far been achieved,” he said.

Mr Chiyesu also expressed appreciation for amendments to the three pension acts covering the National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA), the Public Service Pension Fund (PSF), and the Local Authorities Superannuation Fund (LASF) He said the measures represent a transformative step forward expected to significantly improve income security for retirees, prospective retirees and senior citizens across Zambia. Mr Chiyesu however, recommended that government, if given another mandate, should prioritise strengthening the Social Cash Transfer programme to ensure its sustainability, particularly by meeting the minimum threshold of $2 per day. He also called for the clearing of all outstanding retirement benefits owed to employees, including leave days and other accruals that benefit people in retirement. “The future of these reforms and the security they provide depend on continued commitment to policies that prioritise the welfare of Zambia’s ageing population.