For many Zimbabweans, the word retirement evokes uncertainty, anxiety and, in some cases, quiet fear. It is often spoken about in hushed tones, associated with loss of income, declining health and fading relevance.
By Dickson Bandera
Yet, at a book launch in Harare, renowned global Human Resources consultant and author Emmanuel Zvada set out to dismantle this long-held perception, urging Zimbabweans to see retirement not as a closing chapter, but as an opportunity for renewal, purpose and dignified living.
Speaking at the launch of his book 7 Golden Rules of Retirement Planning in Harare Saturday night, Zvada challenged the audience to confront retirement early and intentionally. He argued that retirement is not a sudden event marked by a farewell ceremony, but a lifelong process that demands preparation long before one exits formal employment.
The book offers practical guidance on what individuals should begin doing well before retirement, outlining strategies that help retirees remain productive, fulfilled and financially stable in their later years.
The author observed that many people approach retirement with uncertainty and anxiety because they have not adequately planned for it, noting that financial preparedness alone is insufficient. According to him, true retirement readiness must also encompass health, mindset and a clear sense of purpose beyond the workplace.
Drawing from years of professional engagement with workers nearing the end of their careers, Zvada said the publication was shaped by lived realities rather than abstract theory.
“These stories inspired me to write this book,” he said. “I wanted to share insights because retirement is a very broad subject, yet deeply personal.”
“I once sent an article to NewsDay titled “Quarter to Retirement: are you ready?’,” Emmanuel Zvada said.
“I know most of you have come here because you want to understand retirement better. You are stepping into an unknown zone, but this unknown zone can be prepared for. Retirement is not merely an end. It is a new beginning.”
Throughout his address, Zvada repeatedly returned to the importance of reframing how society speaks about retirement. He challenged cultural narratives that reduce retirement to decline and dependency, drawing on vernacular expressions to make his point. While some dismiss retirement with the phrase “Mudyandigere,” Emmanuel Zvada offered an alternative — “Mudyandimire” — a call to remain upright, resilient and purposeful.
“I believe retirement should be viewed as a gift. It is time to explore new passions, to contribute to communities in meaningful ways and to remain healthy.”
Central to Emmanuel Zvada’s philosophy is the link between health and retirement. He stressed that longevity without wellness robs retirees of the very joys they spend decades working towards. Health-conscious living, he said, must therefore be part of retirement planning from the outset.
“That is why the tagline of my book speaks about healthy living,” he explained. “When you retire, you need to be healthy to enjoy what you have worked for.”
Beyond the personal sphere, Emmanuel Zvada situated retirement planning within Zimbabwe’s broader development agenda. He argued that a workforce confident about life after employment is more focused, productive and aligned with national goals.
“Our journey from stabilization to industrialization requires a workforce that plans for retirement,” he said. “We cannot talk about retirement without NDS2, which is a government initiative.”
In this context, Emmanuel Zvada revealed that the book also lays the groundwork for the establishment of the Zimbabwe Institute of Retirement Planning — a partner institution aimed at strengthening retirement awareness and financial inclusivity.
“It was not our call to do it alone,” Emmanuel Zvada said. “We need partners to make Zimbabwe happy again. We already have national retirement systems, but we are also launching a partner institution – the Zimbabwe Institute of Retirement Planning. Before that, I felt it was necessary to write this book to pave the way.”
As the event drew to a close, Zvada left the audience with a sobering yet hopeful reminder: retirement planning is not a uniform exercise but a deeply personal journey that demands honesty, reflection and timely decision-making.
“I want to emphasise that retirement is a deeply personal journey,” he said. “As you gather here, you need to reflect on whether you have a plan. If you don’t, we will help you. That is why the experts gathered here are important.”
In a society where retirement has long been framed as a period of waiting, Zvada’s message is crystal clear — with the right preparation, retirement can instead become a season of standing firm, giving back and living fully.
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