An assessment of NSSA pension fund in the face of a declining contributors’ base for the period January 2011 to December 2013

This study was carried out of the realisation that NSSA was experiencing a decline in the number of contributors to its pension fund while the number of its pension claims was increasing. The study sought to explore the causes of the decrease in the number of contributors to the NSSA pe1nsion fund as well as the causes for the increase in the NSSA pension claims. In the study a population of three hundred officers was used. A sample of fifty officers from Chinhoyi, Kadoma and Kariba offices was selected using purposeful sampling. Data which was collected through self administered questionnaires, personal interviews and telephone interviews was collated and presented for analysis on tables, graphs and charts using the Microsoft office excel. The key findings of the research were that NSSA pension fund is a pay as you go scheme and its policies are as per the International Labour Organisation standards and guidelines. The scheme currently covers only the formally employed population, pays short term and long term benefits, and its control mechanisms ensures that management and staff are held accountable to fund members. The NSSA pension fund contributors’ base is decreasing while pension costs are increasing. The researcher therefore recommends NSSA management to extend pension scheme coverage to the informal sector to increase its contributors base .NSSA pension fund could form joint ventures with strategic partners to revive ailing strategic companies thereby creating employment. The pension fund can implement Social audits in its management systems so as to improve on public image and increase stakeholder engagement