Retirees from the University of Zambia have staged a protest at the Ministry of Education, demanding payment of their outstanding superannuation benefits.
The retirees say they have repeatedly engaged the University of Zambia management over the matter, but the institution has been unresponsive, stating that funds to settle the benefits are unavailable.
One of the retirees, Peter Mvula, says he visited the office of the Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary for Education Services, Kelvin Mambwe, where he was informed that the Permanent Secretary was unavailable to address the retirees.
Mr. Mvula says the retirees have been protesting and demanding their benefits for nearly 20 years.
Another retiree, Jean Katanga says she worked for the University of Zambia for 24 years and has been waiting for her superannuation benefits to support her family and start a small business to generate additional income.
Other retirees say they have been unable to pay their children’s tuition fees or afford adequate medical care due to the delay in receiving their benefits.
They have further alleged that the Zambia State Insurance Corporation (ZSIC), where they were registered under an insurance scheme, informed them that the University had failed to remit contributions, resulting in the closure of the scheme in 2020.
The retirees remain at the Ministry of Education awaiting an audience with the Permanent Secretary.
On 16 July 2026, the retirees held a peaceful demonstration at the University of Zambia in an effort to obtain a response from management, but their concerns were not addressed.
By Mutinta Hamusankwa
