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Business Writer

THE National Social Security Authority (NSSA) has embarked on a community outreach programme targeting rural communities in Matabeleland South province where it seeks to raise awareness among stakeholders.

In line with the organisation’s transformation and rebranding journey, NSSA has said its drive is aimed at increasing information sharing about social security issues in line with Government’s mantra “leaving no one/no place behind”.

Hence the outreach is running under the theme: “Leaving no pensioner and no beneficiaries behind”. The team has already conducted extensive rural outreach campaigns in Matabeleland South covering Mangwe and Matobo Districts from 15 May 2023 with the programme set to end on 04 June 2023. 

National Security Authority (Nssa)

To date, the team has held 110 ward-based meetings as well as 114 formal meetings in schools, clinics, and other institutions, said NSSA in a programme outline seen by Business Chronicle.

“The overall objective of the outreach is to increase the reach of NSSA information dissemination and to ensure that there is timeous communication to clients on all issues pertaining the authority,” said the organisation. 

“Effective stakeholder engagement and feedback is the bedrock of client satisfaction, which leads to compliance with NSSA statutes, as stakeholders will be aware of NSSA benefits and services. 

“Good communication lines that allow feedback will lead to both effective, efficient service delivery and enhance customer satisfaction throughout the province. It is pivotal for NSSA to increase its brand visibility in marginalised areas to speak to our promise, ‘A Lifelong promise, Chivimbiso chehupenyu ,Isithembiso sempilo’ no matter where our clients are.”

NSSA has said that its key message during the outreach is anchored on engaging through formal meetings at schools, rural health centres, Government departments, and other organisations, as well as community meetings. 

“The drive is to ensure all the organisations and their employees are registered with NSSA. Registration processes are initiated for all those organisations that are not registered. Employers and employees alike are helped to register and use the NSSA self-service portal,” it said. 

“The other front is that of community meetings. Community meetings are held in each ward, at different ward centres to cut on distances and allow easy access to all. 

“The focus is to help all possible NSSA beneficiaries that are due to access their benefits access them with ease. Current beneficiaries got updates and had all their queries addressed.”

The engagements are meant to cover aspects such as the US-dollar portion for NSSA pensioners starting June, registration issues and submission of remittance advice and other returns, contributions and compliance background of what NSSA does and post-retirement availability of loan facilities to NSSA pensioners, among others.

Among the places visited so far are; Sanzukwi, Bango, Mabade, Ngwanyana, Hlanganani, Maninji, Bulu/Ngwizi, Kweme, Mambale, Makorokoro, Makhubu, Brunapeg, Hobodo, Khalanyoni, Bidi, Tjedza, Makorokoro, Sangulube, Makubu and Ivimila.

The team continues with the programme in Matobo District and the areas that have been so far covered in this District include St Joseph, St Sebastian, Mbuso, Marinoha, St Anna and many others. 

During the programme NSSA says its team works closely with Councillors and other community leaders to ensure good attendance for a wider audience reach.