NSSA sends workers on forced leave to pave way for investigations

The National Social Security Authority (NSSA) has placed workers on mandatory paid leave purportedly to conduct an investigation into corruption concerns raised by auditors.

On 22 October 2019, NSSA suspended 24 executives and senior managers on the orders reportedly directed by the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Sekai Nzenza, to the board of directors of the institution.

Mr. David Makwara, the NSSA Acting General Manager, in the letter of suspension gleaned by Spiked Online Media, prohibited suspended workers from visiting their workstations during the period of the mandatory leave.

“In order to facilitate this process, as well as ensure integrity, it is necessary that you be placed on indefinite mandatory leave effective upon receipt of this letter. The exercise has been authorised by the Board Resolution of 18th October 2019. While the exercise is being carried out, you will receive your full pay and benefits.

“I however regret to advise that during the period of your mandatory leave, as a matter of necessity, you are prohibited from visiting any of the Authority’s premises and from operating, using and logging into the Authority’s computers, computer networks as well as other devices connected thereto, including any documentation belonging to the Authority, be it in hard copy or electronic form, without the express written authority of the Acting General Manager,” Mr. Makwara wrote.

Most of the suspended workers interviewed by this publication said they were being victimised and feared that a witch-hunt could be in full swing to rid NSSA of workers perceived to be working against the social welfare minister and some members of the board of directors. Minister Nzenza was not available for a comment at the time of going to print.

In an interview with Spiked Online Media, Mr. Peter Mutasa, the President of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) said the developments at NSSA once again show that serious legislative reforms are urgently needed.

“Ever since the forensic audit was released the Minister has not had the courtesy to discuss with the tripartite partners. She has not even seen the need to present the same at the tripartite negotiating forum (TNF). Stakeholders are now just hearing everything from the grapevine. Some of the expenses associated with this exercise for consultants we hear from informal sources are shocking. Now these blanket suspensions are worrying because the modus of corrupt practices at NSSA is clear. Each Minister comes and chooses his or her Board. The Minister instructs the Board normally through the Board Chairperson to dismiss or retrench all managers and Executives.

“This gives the Minister an opportunity to have a board, an Executive and Management that owes its allegiance to the Minister. All controls and separation of functions will be compromised and the looting starts. Without putting stakeholders into confidence through serious engagement at TNF, we regard the Minister’s actions as highly suspicious and we are going to scrutinise these carefully. We can not allow another opportunity for looting of workers funds to be created. It appears the only way to stop corruption at NSSA is to curtail politicians interference and give stakeholders more oversight powers than we currently have,” Mr. Mutasa said.