Ministry honours Retired Employees

ByGabriel Masvora

The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works has honoured its former employees with certificates and a borehole each as part of a gesture to appreciate their time in service.

Six of the retirees were presented with the certificates at a colourful ceremony held at the Ministry headquarters in Harare on Friday.

Those who received the certificates were Mrs Jones Erica Noelle who served 43 years in the Ministry. She retired as a Chief Director, Local Authorities on 31 June 2021.

Mrs Jones Erica Noelle (left) receives her certificate from the Minister of Local Government and Public Works Hon July Moyo

The other recipient was Colonel (Retired) Joseph Mhakayakora who served 19 years in the Ministry. He retired as Chief Director, Public Works on 31 June 2021.

Former Director, Human Resources Mr Hamandishe Chinyengetere was also honoured after 40 years in service. He retired on 5 September 2022.

Mr Chinyengetere (left) receives his certificate from Hon Moyo

The Ministry also honoured Engineer Henry Hungwe who served for 34 years. He retired as Director of Engineering on 4 September 2022.

Eng Hungwe (left) receives his certificate from Hon Moyo

Mr Chagonda Ramious was honoured after serving 30 years.

He retired in September 2021 as the Secretary for Liquor Licencing Board.

Mr Chagonda listens to Hon Myo before being presented with his certificate

The other recipient was Mr Stephen Taura Watyoja who had been in service for 40 years. He retired on 6 June 2022 as a procurement officer.


Speaking at the event, Minister of Local Government and Public Works Honourable July Moyo praised the former employees but also took time to encourage employees to have a positive attitude towards retirement.

“I am sure our organisation was running courses preparing people for retirement as some organisations do. You plan better and you organise better but the Government of Zimbabwe in some cases plan for us. Those who retire and have some little farms, that retirement even becomes more enjoyable,” he said.

Hon Moyo also encouraged those still employed to tap the vast knowledge from the retirees.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry Mr Zvinechimwe Churu thanked the former employees and said it was not easy to say goodbye to the employees as they had become part of the family.

He said employees are the real assets of any organisation.