Time for Govt to do its part, says M’membe

By GIDEON NYENDWA

SOCIALIST Party president Dr. Fred M’membe has urged the UPND government to swiftly implement a High Court judgement ordering the payment of more than 1, 500 retired Zambia Army and Zambia Air Force officers who were underpaid on their pensions.
In a ruling described as a watershed moment for pension justice, the High Court found that government acted unlawfully by removing the ex-servicemen from the payroll before settling their dues, in violation of Article 189 of the Constitution.
The court noted that many of the retirees endured payment delays of up to three years, undermining their rights and dignity.
The judgement directed Government to recalculate and pay arrears, include service allowances reinstated in 2021, and add interest at the Bank of Zambia’s average lending rate. It also ordered the harmonisation of salaries across the defence forces to ensure equal pay for equal ranks.
However, the court dismissed demands for reinstating the ex-soldiers on the payroll, ruling that such a move would amount to “unjust enrichment” since pensions had already been paid.
Dr. M’membe said the matter was not only about legal compliance but also about fairness, accountability and respect for the country’s men and women in uniform.
He warned that any more delay would perpetuate inequality and dishonour the sacrifices of those who served the nation.
“The court has spoken, let Government now do its part,” Dr M’membe said.