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Shava returns as NSSA substantive boss?
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After three years of internal turmoil, high-profile dismissals, and corruption scandals, a measure of calm and certainty has returned to the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) following the appointment of Dr. Charles Shava as the fund's new substantive general manager - and his subsequent acquittal on fraud charges.
Dr. Shava, a medical doctor and former Director of Occupational Safety and Health, was officially appointed as NSSA's chief executive on 1 March 2025. The appointment had been delayed for weeks due to internal boardroom conflict, particularly from recently dismissed board chairperson Emmanuel Fundira, who sought to block the appointment for what sources describe as personal and self-serving interests.
The cloud that hung over Shava's appointment was lifted entirely on Monday when Harare Regional Magistrate Taurai Manuwere acquitted him of fraud charges. The allegations stemmed from an alleged 2022 alteration of a NSSA board resolution to authorize the payment of ZW$12 million (approximately US$12,000) in allowances to four medical doctors. Shava maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings, arguing that the charges were baseless and politically motivated as part of the broader power struggle within NSSA.
Magistrate Manuwere upheld Shava's application for discharge at the close of the State's case, ruling that prosecutors had failed to present any evidence of wrongdoing.
The ruling clears the path for Shava to fully take charge of the US$1.2 billion statutory pension fund, marking the end of an extended leadership vacuum that began in July 2022 when his predecessor, Arthur Manase, was placed on leave over serious allegations of corruption and mismanagement. Manase later left the authority in August 2023.
NSSA, responsible for managing Zimbabwe's public social security system, has suffered a series of governance crises in recent years, including high staff turnover at the executive level and ongoing corruption probes. These disruptions severely weakened the institution's capacity to deliver pensions and other benefits effectively to Zimbabweans.
With his appointment now confirmed and legal battles behind him, Dr. Shava steps into one of the most strategically critical roles in Zimbabwe's public sector. The position grants him oversight of NSSA's broad investment portfolio, which includes holdings in real estate, banking, manufacturing, agriculture, and health services.
Analysts say Shava's confirmation provides a much-needed opportunity to stabilise the authority and rebuild public confidence in an institution that has been plagued by scandals. Whether he can reform NSSA and restore its core mission to protect the welfare of workers and pensioners remains to be seen, but his acquittal is already being seen as a turning point.
Dr. Shava, a medical doctor and former Director of Occupational Safety and Health, was officially appointed as NSSA's chief executive on 1 March 2025. The appointment had been delayed for weeks due to internal boardroom conflict, particularly from recently dismissed board chairperson Emmanuel Fundira, who sought to block the appointment for what sources describe as personal and self-serving interests.
The cloud that hung over Shava's appointment was lifted entirely on Monday when Harare Regional Magistrate Taurai Manuwere acquitted him of fraud charges. The allegations stemmed from an alleged 2022 alteration of a NSSA board resolution to authorize the payment of ZW$12 million (approximately US$12,000) in allowances to four medical doctors. Shava maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings, arguing that the charges were baseless and politically motivated as part of the broader power struggle within NSSA.
Magistrate Manuwere upheld Shava's application for discharge at the close of the State's case, ruling that prosecutors had failed to present any evidence of wrongdoing.
NSSA, responsible for managing Zimbabwe's public social security system, has suffered a series of governance crises in recent years, including high staff turnover at the executive level and ongoing corruption probes. These disruptions severely weakened the institution's capacity to deliver pensions and other benefits effectively to Zimbabweans.
With his appointment now confirmed and legal battles behind him, Dr. Shava steps into one of the most strategically critical roles in Zimbabwe's public sector. The position grants him oversight of NSSA's broad investment portfolio, which includes holdings in real estate, banking, manufacturing, agriculture, and health services.
Analysts say Shava's confirmation provides a much-needed opportunity to stabilise the authority and rebuild public confidence in an institution that has been plagued by scandals. Whether he can reform NSSA and restore its core mission to protect the welfare of workers and pensioners remains to be seen, but his acquittal is already being seen as a turning point.
Source - online
