No automatic monthly payments for all Zimbabwean citizens aged 70 and above

The Government has dismissed as false and misleading social media claims alleging that every Zimbabwean aged 70 years and above is entitled to automatic monthly payments after registering at Makombe Building in Harare.

In a public notice, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Pfungwa Kunaka, urged members of the public to disregard the misinformation, stressing that no such programme exists.

"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," Kunaka said.

He explained that while the Government provides social assistance to older persons, support is not based on age alone but is determined through a means-testing process in accordance with the Older Persons Act [Chapter 17:11] 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 follows the widespread circulation of social media messages claiming that all elderly Zimbabweans should report to Makombe Building to register for automatic monthly payouts.

To counter the misinformation, the ministry outlined three key facts.

It said there is no programme that provides automatic monthly payments to every person aged 70 years and above, adding that social assistance is reserved for older persons who meet specific vulnerability criteria prescribed by law.

The ministry also clarified that the Department of Social Development has not announced any nationwide registration exercise for all elderly citizens at Makombe Building.

"There is no program paying every person aged 70+ monthly," Kunaka said.

He urged Zimbabweans to verify information before sharing it on social media, warning that the spread of false information causes unnecessary anxiety and confusion, particularly among vulnerable groups.

"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.

Kunaka also warned members of the public not to pay anyone in exchange for access to government social welfare services.

The Government continues to implement a range of social protection programmes targeting vulnerable groups, including older persons, persons with disabilities, orphans and vulnerable children, and disadvantaged households, with assistance allocated in accordance with established legal and policy frameworks to ensure support reaches those most in need.