…as NSSA holds tripartite stakeholder meeting in Chiredzi
Beatific Gumbwanda
CHIREDZI-Pensioners here have expressed concerns over the viability of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe’s interbank exchange rates which no longer tally with the real life being experienced in the markets.
This came out during the tripartite meeting held by the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) at Palm Tree Place in Chiredzi.
The National Social Security Authority recently held an inaugural engagement meeting with its contributors comprising both employees and employers, where they exchanged ideas to map for new NSSA and help stakeholders have the ownership of a better NSSA in the few years to come.
Addressing NSSA and its stakeholders, one pensioner, Lovemore Chiwanza acknowledge the increment by NSSA of US$80.00 per month which is converted at the current bank rate but expressed concerns over the viability of the exchange in relation to the external market, where they are operating from.
“We have notice an increment in our accounts but the interbank exchange rate is no longer viable. We are being charged, for transport, at a black market rate which is more than twice that of the interbank rate.
“Why are we not being given some in US Dollars as there are companies which are remitting in United States Dollars? We are being charged more that we are earning,” said Chiwanza.
Speaking during the meeting, NSSA General Manager/Chief Executive Officer Arthur Manase said it was an honor to sit in a meeting between NSSA Board members, stakeholders and executive members mapping a way forward for a better NSSA.
“It is a pleasure to sit in this inaugural engagement meeting with contributors comprising both employees and employers. This is the first time that a formal meeting has been held with NSSA’s leadership led by its board and its executive management. This event is a manifestation of the new NSSA’s informative journey. It is a journey guided by NSSA vision to become a world class provider of social security by 2030,” said Manase.
Manase also highlighted that NSSA desires to be closer to its major stakeholders, which are pensioners as they have sprouted more than 17 NSSA satellite offices across the entire country.
“New NSSA desires to be closer to its stakeholders which are pensioners. We are putting NSSA closer to its stakeholders regardless of their geographical locations. In 2021 NSSA opened 17 NSSA satellite offices across the entire country, said Manase. two of the 17 satelites are in Masvingo, one at Ngundu Bussiness Centre in Chivi and the other one in Gutu.
they also said NSSA was in the process of availing mobile clinics to cater fot their clients whom they say were finding it difficult to access medical care due to financial challenges.
