Pensioners meet in Metlojane

Members of the Botswana Civil Service Pensioners Association (BCSPA) were this week due to hold their Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Metlojane. The AGM’s theme is ‘The Financial Challenges In Respect Of The Health And Welfare Of Pensioners In Botswana,’ a topic at the heart of many pensioners who have seen their savings impacted by COVID-19 and escalating inflation. Finance Minister Peggy Serame was scheduled to open the AGM, where 150 BCSPA members were expected to spend two days debating various issues. Members were expected to discuss the recent changes to the Retirement Fund Act which allow partial withdrawals for deferred pensioners but not for pensioners themselves. The Finance ministry has said it is studying whether to extend the withdrawal clause to other classes of pension fund members. Members of the BCSPA were also due to hold elections for a new Executive Committee.