×
NewsDay

AMH is an independent media house free from political ties or outside influence. We have four newspapers: The Zimbabwe Independent, a business weekly published every Friday, The Standard, a weekly published every Sunday, and Southern and NewsDay, our daily newspapers. Each has an online edition.

Older Persons Bill awaits Presidential assent

News
Labour and Social Services minister Paurina Mpariwa has said that the Older Persons Bill passed through the House of Assembly and the Senate, but was now awaiting President Robert Mugabe’s assent for it to become law. The Bill, if assented into law, would enable old people to access State assistance in the form of maintenance, […]

Labour and Social Services minister Paurina Mpariwa has said that the Older Persons Bill passed through the House of Assembly and the Senate, but was now awaiting President Robert Mugabe’s assent for it to become law.

The Bill, if assented into law, would enable old people to access State assistance in the form of maintenance, health, skills development and other social protection provisions to hedge them against the poverty trap.

“Adoption of the Bill will mark a departure from the present scenario where the elderly and their needs scarcely attract attention in the development discourse,” Mpariwa told NewsDay this week.

“As we move forward to ensure that the Older Persons Bill is enacted into law, the Ministry of Labour and Social Services reaffirms its commitment to the social protection of older persons and calls on all stakeholders and citizens to play a part in guaranteeing the well-being of our senior citizens.”

Mpariwa said the Older Persons Bill was meant to facilitate accessible and affordable services to older persons, and empower them to be able to lead meaningful and constructive lives in a society which should recognise them as invaluable sources of wisdom.