03 Feb 2021

The Public Service Act allows public servants to retire at the age of 45 years when they still have the energy to engage in gainful activities such as farming and other businesses, the Assistant Minister for Presidential Affairs Governance and Public Administration Mr Dumizweni Mthimkhulu has said.

Responding to a question in Parliament, Mr Dumizweni Mthimkhulu said the government had over the years established various programmes to support those who ventured into agriculture regardless of their previous employment.

Mr Mthimkhulu said the government finance schemes provided interest packages that could be availed to any citizen, including those who exited the public service on early retirement, as provided for in the Public Service Act.

He further indicated that the government had no plans to introduce specific investment packages for those who decided to retire early from public service as they could also access the existing programs.

Sefhare/Ramokgonami MP, Dr  Kesitegile  Gobotswang had asked if the government would consider introducing an early retirement investment package as an incentive to encourage early retirees to venture into farming and other business opportunities. ENDS