Govt Refutes Reports Of Monthly Payouts For All Citizens Aged 70 And Above

The Zimbabwean government has dismissed social media claims that all citizens aged 70 and above receive automatic monthly payments after registering at Makombe Building in Harare, calling them false and misleading.

In a public notice, the Permanent Secretary for Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Pfungwa Kunaka, said the government does not have a blanket programme to provide monthly payments to all citizens aged 70 and above.

“The Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare has noted false messages circulating on social media claiming that all persons aged 70 years and above should go to Makombe Building in Harare to register for automatic monthly payments,” he said.

He stressed that although the government remains committed to supporting older persons through various social protection programmes, eligibility for assistance is determined by means-testing, as set out in the Older Persons Act and the Older Persons Manual.

“Government, through the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, provides social assistance to all older persons, and this is done in line with the Older Persons Act [Chapter 17:11] and the Older Persons Manual, and support to older persons is means-tested. This means eligibility is assessed based on vulnerability, income and other criteria set out in the law and not on age alone,” he said.

The clarification comes amid widespread circulation of false messages on social media claiming that all elderly citizens should report to Makombe Building to register for automatic monthly payouts.

To dispel the misinformation, the Ministry set out three key facts. First, it stressed that there are no blanket monthly payments for everyone aged 70 and above.

Second, it noted that social assistance is targeted at older persons who meet specific vulnerability criteria set out in law.

Third, it clarified that the Department of Social Development has not announced any mass registration exercise for all elderly citizens at Makombe Building.

Kunaka further urged Zimbabweans to verify information before sharing it on social media, warning that spreading false information causes unnecessary confusion among vulnerable members of society.

“We urge citizens to ignore and not share unverified messages. For accurate information on programmes for older persons, visit your nearest District Social Development Office,” he said.

He also warned the public against paying anyone to access Government social welfare services.

Kunaka added that the government continues to implement a range of social protection programmes aimed at supporting vulnerable groups, including older persons, orphans and vulnerable children, persons with disabilities, and households in need.

He said assistance is provided in line with established legal and policy frameworks to ensure that support reaches those who need it most.