Mutare Elderly Persons Call for Monthly Social Grants as Urban Hardships Mount

By Evans Jona

MUTARE – Senior citizens in Mutare have appealed for the introduction of a monthly social security grant for people aged 65 and above, citing the growing cost of living and the absence of steady income in urban areas.

The call was made during a monthly brunch organized by the Zimbabwe Senior Citizens Association (ZSCA) at St Columbus Presbyterian Church on Friday. The event, held every first Friday of the month, provides a platform for elderly people to share experiences and challenges.

“I’m 73 now and living in town without a pension or assistance is a daily struggle,” said Gogo Shylet Nyamugure from Sakubva. “Sometimes you go to sleep without a proper meal. We’re kindly asking for a monthly allowance for us elderly, just like what other African countries are doing.”

ZSCA Projects Coordinator Thomas Chimtanda said many elderly people in urban areas were battling poverty in silence, with some resorting to selling vegetables, second-hand clothes and drinks on street pavements to survive.

“Urban life is particularly hard for older persons without formal support,” Chimtanda said. “Many were retrenched, some companies closed, and others retired without receiving their pension packages. The city council by-laws also make it difficult as they prohibit informal trading and cultivation within urban limits, leaving few options for elderly residents.”

Chimtanda noted that while ZSCA provides monthly food hampers and hosts regular wellness gatherings, the growing demand exceeds what the association can sustainably cover. He added that other African countries with lower Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita than Zimbabwe have already made strides in supporting their elderly citizens.

“In countries like Lesotho and Malawi, despite having lower GDPs, governments provide monthly social cash transfers to their elderly populations. These modest grants have transformed lives, ensuring older citizens have access to basic necessities like food and hygiene products. It’s proof that with good planning and prioritisation, it can be done,” he said.

According to 2024 World Bank estimates, Zimbabwe’s GDP per capita stands at around US$1,220 — higher than Lesotho’s US$1,050 and Malawi’s US$650 — yet those countries have sustained social grants for their elderly for years.

ZSCA National Chairman Patrick Ndlovu said while government’s move to offer free healthcare to people over 65 was commendable, additional support was needed to cover daily essentials.

“Older people still need food, hygiene products, and even transport money to clinics. A monthly cash grant would help maintain their dignity and improve their quality of life,” said Ndlovu.

Ndlovu emphasized that ZSCA remains a non-partisan, community-focused organization dedicated to supporting and advocating for elderly citizens’ welfare across the country.

As economic challenges persist, elderly residents in Mutare say they remain hopeful for meaningful social protection mechanisms that ensure a secure and dignified old age.