The Public Service Pensioners Association of Malawi (PUSEPA) has underscored the importance of investing in income-generating ventures to sustain the livelihoods of retirees, many of whom face financial hardships after leaving public service.

PUSEPA Publicity Secretary, Hamilton Viyache, said the time has come for senior citizens to unite and invest collectively, particularly in farming, to ensure better and longer lives.

He observed that most retired civil servants in the country live in misery because money lending institutions deny them access to loans for investment.

“Retirees must embrace joint investments if they are to live better lives. The success we see here at Goliati is proof that when we pool our efforts, we can continue contributing meaningfully to society,” said Viyache.

He made the remarks on Tuesday in Thyolo during a learning visit by 10 PUSEPA zones to Goliati Zone-women wing, which is investing in projects such as a milk bulking center, mushroom greenhouse, private secondary school, and conference hall through a K234 million Agriculture Commercialisation (Agcom) Project grant.

Goliati Zone chairperson, Francis Namaya, said the investments are already paying dividends and restoring dignity among pensioners.

“These ventures are not only improving our income but also restoring dignity in old age. We want to show that retirement is not the end, but a new chapter,” Namaya said.

Meanwhile, Thyolo District PUSEPA chairperson, Kenneth Dumbula, encouraged fellow retirees to leverage their experience and continue shaping communities.

“Our experience is our greatest resource. Through initiatives like these, we can still shape the future of our communities,” he said.

Similarly, PUSEPA women’s representative for the South, Iness Sosola, stressed that income-generating activities are also improving health outcomes.

She said, “Many think that the pensioners are just waiting for their death. But these initiatives are helping members remain healthy and live longer."

The visit brought together pensioners from across Thyolo to learn from Goliati Zone’s model, which leaders say demonstrates that collective action can transform the lives of retirees.