Social security coverage a challenge

Ashley Mujoma

PERMANENT Secretary in the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Simon Masanga, has said lack of adequate social security coverage was a challenge for Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

He made the remakes during a bilateral meeting with a Mozambican delegation in Harare yesterday.

Masanga said one of the pressing challenges for both countries was the lack of adequate social protection coverage.

“Despite the efforts of our respective governments, a significant portion of our populations remain excluded from social security benefits in both Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

“This is particularly true for vulnerable groups such as women, children and the elderly as well as operators in the informal economy who are financially excluded.

“In Zimbabwe, according to the Labour Force Survey of 2022, only 24 percent of the labour force has social security coverage,” he said.

He said the National Social Security of Zimbabwe (NSSA) was anchored on the principles of universality, equity and affordability.

“We are trying to provide strategies that seek to provide comprehensive social security coverage to all citizens, particularly the vulnerable and marginalised populations.

“The strategy is also aligned with the SADC Guidelines on Social Protection, which provide a framework for the provision of social security in the region.”

Masanga said he believes collaboration was key to achieving social security through sharing of knowledge.

“As we work towards achieving our social protection objectives, let us draw on this history of collaboration and solidarity to forge new partnerships and to find innovative solutions to the challenges we face,” he said.