Government dismisses viral claim of monthly payouts for all over-70s

The Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare says social assistance for older persons is means-tested and not automatically available to everyone aged 70 and above.

HARARE – The Zimbabwean government has dismissed as false and misleading social media claims that all citizens aged 70 years and above are entitled to automatic monthly payments after registering at Makombe Building in Harare.

In a public notice issued on Friday, Permanent Secretary for Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Pfungwa Kunaka said no such universal payment programme exists and urged the public to disregard the circulating messages.

"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 clarified that while the government provides social assistance to older persons through various programmes, support is not based on age alone.

Instead, beneficiaries are selected through a means-testing process in accordance with the Older Persons Act [Chapter 17:11] and the Older Persons Manual, which assess applicants based on vulnerability, income and other prescribed criteria.

"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 misleading messages on WhatsApp and other social media platforms instructing elderly citizens to travel to Makombe Building to register for automatic monthly allowances. To counter the misinformation, the ministry outlined three key facts:

• There is no blanket monthly payment programme for all Zimbabweans aged 70 years and above.

• Social assistance is only available to older persons who meet specific vulnerability criteria prescribed by law.

• The Department of Social Development has not announced any mass registration exercise for elderly citizens at Makombe Building.

Kunaka urged members of the public to verify information through official government channels before sharing it online, warning that misinformation can create unnecessary anxiety and inconvenience, 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.

He also cautioned Zimbabweans against paying anyone claiming to facilitate access to government social welfare programmes.

The ministry said the government continues to implement a range of social protection programmes targeting vulnerable members of society, including older persons, persons with disabilities, orphans and vulnerable children, and households in need. Kunaka said assistance is provided in accordance with established legal and policy frameworks to ensure that limited resources reach those who qualify.

Authorities have urged the public to rely on official government announcements for information regarding social welfare programmes and to report suspected scams or misinformation to the relevant authorities.

Zimbabwe over-70 monthly payments