The State Services Bill, which aims to establish a fund to provide pensions and benefits for public service members in retirement, faces potential nullification after the Parliamentary Legal Committee (PLC) raised concerns about some provisions that it deemed unconstitutional. The committee objected to the inclusion of employees from local governments and other state commissions, who are not part of the Public Service Commission, in the pension fund. Deputy Speaker Tsitsi Gezi has informed the House of the committee's adverse report.
The PLC, chaired by Mudzi South MP Jonathan Samkange, reviews legislation to ensure alignment with the Constitution. Following the report, Parliament will discuss whether to amend the Bill to comply with constitutional requirements or dismiss it entirely. The Bill establishes a State Service Pension Fund to provide pension benefits, sourced from contributions by members and the state, as well as investment earnings.
The PLC's report highlighted that certain provisions, such as the definition of “approved services,” violate the Constitution’s principles of transparency and accountability. Additionally, it noted the exclusion of judicial and parliamentary representation in the State Pension Fund Board, which could undermine institutional independence. The report also called for a revision of the Minister’s powers to better include other arms of government, like the Public Service Commission.
The PLC, chaired by Mudzi South MP Jonathan Samkange, reviews legislation to ensure alignment with the Constitution. Following the report, Parliament will discuss whether to amend the Bill to comply with constitutional requirements or dismiss it entirely. The Bill establishes a State Service Pension Fund to provide pension benefits, sourced from contributions by members and the state, as well as investment earnings.
The PLC's report highlighted that certain provisions, such as the definition of “approved services,” violate the Constitution’s principles of transparency and accountability. Additionally, it noted the exclusion of judicial and parliamentary representation in the State Pension Fund Board, which could undermine institutional independence. The report also called for a revision of the Minister’s powers to better include other arms of government, like the Public Service Commission.
