News / National
Battle over new NSSA boss intensifies
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The fight to appoint a new general manager for Zimbabwe's US$1.2 billion National Social Security Authority (NSSA) has descended into a chaotic and politically charged standoff, marked by corruption allegations, behind-the-scenes manoeuvres, and a struggle for control of the powerful institution.
The position of NSSA general manager - equivalent to a chief executive officer - is one of the most strategically significant roles in Zimbabwe's public sector. The post comes with sweeping powers over the administration of the national pension fund and control over a vast investment portfolio that spans banking, real estate, manufacturing, health, and agriculture. Since July 2022, however, the role has been held in an acting capacity by Dr Charles Shava, following the suspension and eventual departure of Arthur Manase, who was engulfed in a corruption storm involving 30 charges of abuse of office and financial misconduct.
After Manase's exit in August 2023, an executive search process to find a permanent replacement began. Recruitment firm Head Hunters International Consulting Services conducted interviews and psychometric assessments, followed by security vetting by the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC). The NSSA board was then tasked with final interviews, after which a shortlist was submitted to the then Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, July Moyo. However, the process became tainted by irregularities, with candidates allegedly being removed or imposed at the behest of key players pursuing their own interests.
Among the candidates were Dr Charles Shava and NSSA's suspended director of corporate affairs, David Makwara, who was later cleared of corruption charges and is now negotiating an exit package. From the flawed process emerged two frontrunners: Gilfern Moyo, human resources director at the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA), and Tendai Kapumha, chief executive officer of the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe. Sources say NSSA board chairman Emmanuel Fundira is lobbying for Moyo, while OPC's Corporate Governance Unit (CGU), led by Allen Choruma, favours Kapumha.
Shava, meanwhile, became the subject of high-level consultations involving President Emmerson Mnangagwa, current Minister of Public Service Edgar Moyo, and permanent secretary Simon Masanga. These discussions reportedly resulted in the decision to appoint Shava, who has been acting in the role for nearly three years. His appointment letter was signed on 1 March 2025, but Fundira has allegedly refused to action or announce the appointment, choosing instead to delay the process in what insiders say is a deliberate attempt to block Shava in favour of a more compliant candidate.
The fight for the NSSA post is closely linked to control of the fund's resources and its controversial history of mismanagement. One major issue is the stalled US$10 million software tender involving local tech firm Twenty Third Century Systems (TTCS). NSSA paid the company for a system that failed to deliver, and insiders now accuse Fundira of attempting to revive the deal through a staged tender process. The initial payment for the new attempt would reportedly be US$1.8 million. While Fundira has denied involvement in corruption, his refusal to implement Shava's appointment and his support for TTCS have raised serious questions about his motives.
In the midst of this power struggle, Shava has become the target of a coordinated media smear campaign, with state-owned publications publishing stories questioning his credibility and fitness for office. His critics argue that he should not be appointed due to an ongoing court case involving the unprocedural award of ZW$12 million in allowances to NSSA doctors — a matter the NSSA board had previously rejected. The court case is currently underway, but insiders say the allegations are being used as a pretext to block Shava's appointment, especially as the legal case appears weak and unlikely to hold.
With the legal angle losing traction, attention has shifted to Shava's proposed salary package, which was leaked to the press in an apparent attempt to generate public backlash. The package includes a US$15,730 monthly salary (with 40% in hard currency), a 25% annual performance bonus, allowances for representation, travel, professional development, family holidays, domestic staff, and a vehicle loan equal to his annual gross salary. The CGU has flagged the package as inconsistent with public sector pay guidelines, particularly given that NSSA pensioners receive a meagre US$60 per month.
While some of the objections raised may have merit, sources say they are being used selectively and disingenuously by individuals with vested interests in the appointment process. The intention, they argue, is to discredit Shava and justify the imposition of alternative candidates who are more likely to protect corrupt deals and political interests.
The unfolding drama highlights deep-rooted issues of governance, transparency, and accountability within NSSA. Since 2015, the authority has suffered from a revolving door of directors and general managers, a situation that has significantly undermined its ability to deliver effective social security services to Zimbabweans. With billions of dollars under its control, NSSA remains a prime target for manipulation and political capture — and the current fight over its leadership is the latest example of how far powerful individuals are willing to go to protect their interests.
The position of NSSA general manager - equivalent to a chief executive officer - is one of the most strategically significant roles in Zimbabwe's public sector. The post comes with sweeping powers over the administration of the national pension fund and control over a vast investment portfolio that spans banking, real estate, manufacturing, health, and agriculture. Since July 2022, however, the role has been held in an acting capacity by Dr Charles Shava, following the suspension and eventual departure of Arthur Manase, who was engulfed in a corruption storm involving 30 charges of abuse of office and financial misconduct.
After Manase's exit in August 2023, an executive search process to find a permanent replacement began. Recruitment firm Head Hunters International Consulting Services conducted interviews and psychometric assessments, followed by security vetting by the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC). The NSSA board was then tasked with final interviews, after which a shortlist was submitted to the then Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, July Moyo. However, the process became tainted by irregularities, with candidates allegedly being removed or imposed at the behest of key players pursuing their own interests.
Among the candidates were Dr Charles Shava and NSSA's suspended director of corporate affairs, David Makwara, who was later cleared of corruption charges and is now negotiating an exit package. From the flawed process emerged two frontrunners: Gilfern Moyo, human resources director at the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA), and Tendai Kapumha, chief executive officer of the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe. Sources say NSSA board chairman Emmanuel Fundira is lobbying for Moyo, while OPC's Corporate Governance Unit (CGU), led by Allen Choruma, favours Kapumha.
Shava, meanwhile, became the subject of high-level consultations involving President Emmerson Mnangagwa, current Minister of Public Service Edgar Moyo, and permanent secretary Simon Masanga. These discussions reportedly resulted in the decision to appoint Shava, who has been acting in the role for nearly three years. His appointment letter was signed on 1 March 2025, but Fundira has allegedly refused to action or announce the appointment, choosing instead to delay the process in what insiders say is a deliberate attempt to block Shava in favour of a more compliant candidate.
The fight for the NSSA post is closely linked to control of the fund's resources and its controversial history of mismanagement. One major issue is the stalled US$10 million software tender involving local tech firm Twenty Third Century Systems (TTCS). NSSA paid the company for a system that failed to deliver, and insiders now accuse Fundira of attempting to revive the deal through a staged tender process. The initial payment for the new attempt would reportedly be US$1.8 million. While Fundira has denied involvement in corruption, his refusal to implement Shava's appointment and his support for TTCS have raised serious questions about his motives.
In the midst of this power struggle, Shava has become the target of a coordinated media smear campaign, with state-owned publications publishing stories questioning his credibility and fitness for office. His critics argue that he should not be appointed due to an ongoing court case involving the unprocedural award of ZW$12 million in allowances to NSSA doctors — a matter the NSSA board had previously rejected. The court case is currently underway, but insiders say the allegations are being used as a pretext to block Shava's appointment, especially as the legal case appears weak and unlikely to hold.
With the legal angle losing traction, attention has shifted to Shava's proposed salary package, which was leaked to the press in an apparent attempt to generate public backlash. The package includes a US$15,730 monthly salary (with 40% in hard currency), a 25% annual performance bonus, allowances for representation, travel, professional development, family holidays, domestic staff, and a vehicle loan equal to his annual gross salary. The CGU has flagged the package as inconsistent with public sector pay guidelines, particularly given that NSSA pensioners receive a meagre US$60 per month.
While some of the objections raised may have merit, sources say they are being used selectively and disingenuously by individuals with vested interests in the appointment process. The intention, they argue, is to discredit Shava and justify the imposition of alternative candidates who are more likely to protect corrupt deals and political interests.
The unfolding drama highlights deep-rooted issues of governance, transparency, and accountability within NSSA. Since 2015, the authority has suffered from a revolving door of directors and general managers, a situation that has significantly undermined its ability to deliver effective social security services to Zimbabweans. With billions of dollars under its control, NSSA remains a prime target for manipulation and political capture — and the current fight over its leadership is the latest example of how far powerful individuals are willing to go to protect their interests.
Source - online
