From humble beginnings at the Social Security House in Khomasdal in 1994, the Social Security Commission (SSC) continues to grow in leaps and bounds.
It shields both members and non-members from economic hardships as the ultimate safety net.
In November that year, the Social Security Act was signed into law by Founding President Sam Nujoma, with Dessa Osesmus as its founding CEO.
The SSC board of commissioners was chaired by Advocate Gerson Hinda.
The following year in February, Nujoma signed the Employees’ Compensation Act.
This year, the commission celebrated its 30th anniversary.
Over the last three decades, the SSC has disbursed over N$1.2 billion to over 100 000 beneficiaries in respect of maternity, sickness, death, disability and pension-related benefits.
By 1996, the SSC had only 2 730 registered employers.
The number stood at 115 390 in 2020.
In 1996, the commission had 221 683 registered employees. The number of employees on their database in 2020 was 604 685. The SSC started with just 32 staff members in 1995. Today, it employs 337 people. The SSC Development Fund (SSC-DF) is another vehicle through which the commission has assisted Namibians in need.
Through this fund, the SSC has awarded more than N$147 million for community development and employment-creation, bursaries, study loans and training. To date, 371 bursaries and 116 study loans have been awarded. In addition, 23 employment projects funded created 420 direct jobs, official figures show.
Dormant
While there is much to be celebrated, more work lies ahead, particularly around the SCC’s dormant funds, the National Pension Fund (NPF) and the National Medical Benefit Fund (NMBF). These funds form part of the Social Security Commission Act of 1994. It remains unclear why these funds are inactive, three decades later. Without the two funds, the SSC’s offerings are focused on social insurance, meaning the commission only caters for its members. Those Namibians who could benefit from the medical and pension funds are left out. The said funds cater for any employee – be they in the formal or informal sectors – who are registered members of the SSC.
Existing funds provide mainly for those employed in the formal sector.
At present, the SSC runs three funds, namely the maternity, sick leave and death benefit funds; employees’ compensation fund; and the Development Fund.
Dinner
Addressing a Social Security gala dinner and development awards’ event last Friday, the commission’s chairperson Markus Kampungu hinted at some changes to go above and beyond to increase its institutional capacity, serve more individuals, and close gaps.
“To address the evolving demands of our country’s workforce and vulnerable communities, we will continue to prioritise expediting the implementation of the National Pension Fund and the amendment of the Social Security Act,” he stated, noting that the critical (NPF) remains non-operational. During the just-ended financial period, the commission reported outstanding performance achievements, the chairperson said. “Service delivery goals were surpassed. The administrative procedures were improved,” he said.
Additionally, the SCC reported approximately N$605 million in revenue through investment techniques, ensuring the stability of its assets while maintaining budgetary prudence. “We take pride in our use of technology to improve client experiences and future-proof the commission by digitising operations and incorporating artificial intelligence into key service activities,” he added. Standing head and shoulders above its achievements is the impact of the Development Fund. Last Friday, the SCC awarded N$67.2 million towards different schemes.
Of this amount, N$35.6 million went to employment schemes, while N$31.6 million was given to training schemes.
Breakdown
Broken down, 12 employment schemes benefitted from the fund. The Daures Multipurpose Co-Operative, an integrated poultry, pig and garden project in Okombahe, received N$3.7 million.
Grato Investments, a potato production project, also in Okombahe, received N$2.6 million. Matuhupisa Cooperative, based in Okamatapati, got N$5.6 million. Additionally, Tsumkwe-based NIT Investment received N$3.1 million. Omakange Youth Group in Kunene got N$2.8 million. They specialise in integrated poultry and horticulture. Furthermore, the Okalonda Youth Bricks Project was awarded a N$2.6 million grant. They are based in Tsandi in the Omusati region. The Eenhana Town Council received N$1.2 million to expand its open market, while the National Commission on Research, Science and Technology got N$3.4 million for its National Innovation Challenge Programme.
In addition, Windhoek-based company Viano received N$1 million for braille production machines, while Boophalow Investment was a recipient of N$3.1 million for its aquaculture venture.
Furthermore, Zambezi Green Commercial received N$2.8 million for its community gardens at the Lusu, Kanono and Malihela villages, while the MAD Charity children’s centre in Tsumeb got N$3.7 million.
Training schemes
On the training front, there were 17 beneficiaries on the night.
The Ondangwa Commercial College received N$1.3 million, while Northgate Technical College got N$1.8 million. Both are in Oshana. The Marco Mpollo Vocational Training Centre (VTC) in Oshana and Omusati got N$2 million for its certificate in hospitality and tourism.
Nile VTC got N$2.2 million to fund its horticulture and crop husbandry programmes in Oshikoto. What is more, Day Dream Institute of Training and Skills Development received N$1.9 million for occupational health and safety.
Another recipient was Tukurenu Cosdec, which got N$1.4 million for woodwork and carpentry. They are based in Kavango East.
In Kavango West, Ngato VTC received N$1.8 million, while Intellectus Campus (Khomas and Oshana) was awarded N$2 million. Khomas-based Twapewa Kadhikwa Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small and Medium Enterprises’ Development’s grant was N$1.7 million, while Prosperity Hotel School got N$2 million. Among the beneficiaries is Otjozondjupa-based Symanek Training Academy, which got N$1.8 million.
Meanwhile, Joint Venture Agra Provision and Namibia College of Open Learning received N$1.7 million for their national vocational certificate in animal husbandry and horticulture, levels 2-3.
The International Training College in Khomas received N$2 million, while River Higher Institute got N$2.5 million for their national vocational diploma in travel and tourism as well as hospitality management for 38 trainees in the Otjozondjupa and Khomas regions.
African Hospitality and Tourism [Khomas] got N$2.3 million, while Niche Training Academy in Erongo got N$2 million. The final recipient was the African Leadership Institute, which got N$1.2 million.
“These recipients stand for more than just creativity. They are symbols of inclusive growth, economic diversification, the development of human potential and job-creation,” said Kampungu. He continued: “The Development Fund generated thousands of job opportunities throughout Namibia in the most recent fiscal year, focusing on women, youth and micro-businesses that are frequently left out of traditional support systems. This is development with a human face, not merely development in numbers. And that’s the essence of real social security.”