The experts Tiyese Chikapa and Victor Chipofya were commenting on president Lazarus Chakwera’s extension of a contract for Police Inspector General Merlyne Yolamu by three more years while she is due for retirement this year.

Chikapa, who specializes in human resource management issues, told us that bringing retired individuals back to work or extending contracts for people who have reached retirement time speaks volume in terms of human capital management issues.

“It may show that the appointing authority does not think there are other capable people who can take up positions or they are comfortable working with people who have retired or are about to retire.”

On his part, Chipofya said extending one’s contract or bringing someone back from retirement, may mean the individual’s performance was exceptional.

“I believe that there are always good reasons for doing that, it is a noble thing to reward someone who has done a good thing or has put up a good performance.”

However, the two agree that much as this has its good side, it does not give room to the younger generation to demonstrate their capabilities, hence should not be encouraged.

Said Chikapa, “looking at our economy it's underdeveloped in terms of where people can find a formal job so if you are busy taking on bold people who have retired it means you are limiting opportunities for younger people.”

For Chipofya the tendency could also demotivate young people. He added as a person grows older their performance changes.

“One might have been a star before but they cannot be a star forever.

We have got a lot of young graduates, why can’t we give them a chance. Young people have always complained that they are not being given a chance.”

President Lazarus Chakwera has also recently brought people into active civil service from retirement, among them former secretary to the office of the President and Cabinet Zanga-zanga Chikhosi and director for the Immigration and Citizenship Services Brigadier General Charles Kalumo (retired).