School feeding scheme to continue next term

THE Government has announced the continuation of the school feeding programme next term, an essential initiative aimed at eliminating hunger in schools and fostering a conducive learning environment for all students.

The programme has been effective in reducing absenteeism as children can rely on receiving nutritious meals while at school, enhancing their overall educational experience.

Mr Taungana Ndoro, the director of Communications and Advocacy in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, reassured parents that the programme will proceed without interruption. “We need some new procurement, but currently we have some grain in schools that need to be replenished to secure new stocks.”

This commitment reflects the Government’s recognition of the importance of nutrition in education, acknowledging that a well-fed child is more likely to attend school and engage in learning.

Mr Ndoro highlighted the collaborative efforts that have made the programme successful, noting the involvement of development partners, local parliamentarians, and former students who support their schools.

“We are proud of our parents who are coming forward with cash and relish. These are our major stakeholders in the programme.”

The active participation of parents not only provides additional resources but also fosters a sense of community and shared responsibility for the well-being of children.

In September last year, the Government secured 27 000 tonnes of mealie meal, distributed to over 4 000 schools, benefiting both rural and urban institutions.

Reports indicate that the school feeding programme has significantly increased enrollment and reduced absenteeism since its implementation.

Mr Munyaradzi Majoni, secretary general of the Zimbabwe National Union of School Heads, emphasized the programme’s critical role in alleviating hunger.

He urged the Government to expand the initiative to all public schools, highlighting that even in affluent schools, vulnerable children require support.

“The school feeding programme is going a long way in alleviating hunger in schools,” he stated. He urged Government to expand the initiative to all public schools, highlighting that even in higher-performing, affluent schools, vulnerable children are enrolled and require support.

“We appeal to the Government that the programme should be introduced to all public schools. In Group A schools, we can see that other children are vulnerable. They need food as well,” he added.

Addressing hunger directly contributes to improved educational outcomes, higher enrolment rates, and reduced dropout rates. The initiative plays a significant role in combating the long-term effects of poverty and food insecurity within communities.

As the Government continues to prioritise this initiative, there is hope for its expansion, reaching more children across the nation. The Herald

*JSC extends retirement age*
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THE Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has extended the retirement age of judicial officers from 65 to 70 years as contained in Statutory Instrument 42 of 2025 cited as Judicial Service (Amendment) Regulations, 2025 (No. 3) published last Friday.

The extension was done with the concurrence of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Ziyambi Ziyambi, in terms of provisions of the Judicial Service Act.

The regulations shall come into effect on May 1.

“Subject to section 17(Judicial Service Act), a member appointed on pensionable terms of service – (a) before the effective date, may have a pensionable age of 65 years with the option to retire at 70 on full pension: Provided that any retirement after the year of the 65th anniversary and before the 70th anniversary shall be deemed to be early retirement; or (b) on or after the effective date, shall have a pensionable age of 70 years,” reads part of the SI.

The new regulations direct the Paymaster to, on June 1, each year, provide the JSC with a list of members who will reach the age of 65 or 70 years during the ensuing year.

“The Commission may, when it is in the interest of the JSC to do so, permit a member whose pensionable age is 65 to continue to serve beyond the age of 65 for periods not exceeding one year at a time, provided that such member shall retire at the age of 70 years.

The new regulations also provide for circumstances where a member of the JSC may retire before reaching retirement age.

“A member may, on giving three months’ notice of retirement, be permitted by the Commission to retire before pensionable age at any time after attaining the age of 60.”

The JSC may also require a member to retire if, after having undergone a medical examination by a medical board appointed by the Secretary for Health, such member is found permanently unfit to carry out the duties of his or her post or if he or she becomes inefficient or incapable, for a reason other than mental or physical deficiency or infirmity, of efficiently performing his or her duties among other factors. Herald