Two employers’ federation members join SSC
Minister of Labour and Social Welfare, Hon Doreen Sioka.
Standing, from left to right, Ms. Linda Dumba-Chicalu, the Social Security Commission’s Legal Advisor, Ms. Toini Nauyoma, Dr. Shitaleni Herman, Ms. Rebecca Iyambo, Ms. Lourencia Tjiho, Mr. Marthinuz Fabianus and Ms. Emma Kantema-Gaomas, the Commission Secretary Seated: from the left, Adv. Deidre Sauls, Bishop (Emeritus) Dr. Zephania Kameeta, Hon. Doreen Sioka and Kenandei “Kapara” Tjivikua, the Commission’s Executive Officer. Commissioners Moses Ikanga, Evans Mashawu and Justina Jonas were absent when the picture was taken.
Bishop (Emeritus) Dr. Zephania Kameeta was re-appointed as Chairperson.
Messrs Marthinuz Fabianus and Moses Ikanga representing the Namibian Employers Federation (NEF) joined serving commission members Ms. Lourencia Tjiho of theMinistry of Labour and Social Welfare, Ms. Rebecca Iyambo of the Ministry of Finance, Dr. Shitaleni Herman of the Ministry of Health and Social Services, Adv.
Deidre Sauls, a lawyer in private practice also representing the Namibian Employers Federation, Mr. Evans Mashawu of the National Union of Namibian Workers (NUNW), Ms. Justina Jonas, also of NUNW and Ms. Toini Nauyoma of the Trade Union Confederation of Namibia (TUCNA).
The commission members are appointed under the Social Security Act and serve for the period of 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2017. The Social Security Commission said the newly appointed commissioners are a dynamic and resourceful team with extensive experience in their respective fields that include law, medicine, human resources and administration. “They are entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring the Commission’s success by collectively directing the institution’s affairs, dealing with issues relating to corporate governance, corporate social responsibility and corporate ethics and meeting the appropriate interests of its stakeholders.” Minister Sioka, expressed confidence in the newly appointed commissioners of the SSC and urged them to administer SSC funds with scrupulous honesty and zealous commitment.
She said expansion of social security coverage to reach all eligible members with special emphasis on domestic workers, farm workers and workers in the construction industry, is a priority of the new Commission members.
She further advised the new commissioners to continue with its public education campaign to ensure optimum compliance by employers on the provisions of the Social Security Act and to create awareness on the rights and obligations of members.
The minister said social security coverage must be expanded to provide protection for workers in the informal economy; and to turn the long-delayed National Pension Fund and the National Medical Benefit Fund, into reality.
She said governance will be further improved though performance agreements and regular consultation between the Commission and the line ministry.
The minister also appealed to the new Commissioners to maximise the benefits of the tripartite composition of the commission to strengthen its work.
