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Shava appointed new NSSA boss
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Dr Charles Shava has been appointed the substantive General Manager of the National Social Security Authority (NSSA), bringing to a close a protracted battle over the leadership of Zimbabwe's US$1.2 billion statutory pension fund. Shava, who has held the position in an acting capacity since July 2022 while concurrently serving as Director of Occupational Safety and Health, officially assumes the role with effect from 1 March 2025. The appointment was confirmed through a letter dated 28 February 2025.
The confirmation of Shava's appointment follows months of internal wrangling within NSSA's top ranks, with board chairman Emmanuel Fundira reportedly attempting to block the decision on personal and self-interested grounds. The standoff had caused a delay in finalizing Shava's elevation to the top job, despite him having effectively led the institution for nearly three years.
Shava replaces Arthur Manase, who was placed on leave of absence in July 2022 and subsequently left the authority in August 2023 amid a storm of corruption and mismanagement allegations. Manase had faced over 30 charges ranging from abuse of office and maladministration to financial misconduct.
The position of NSSA General Manager - equivalent to a chief executive officer - is regarded as one of the most strategic and powerful roles within Zimbabwe's public sector. The role commands broad authority over the management of NSSA's operations and control of its extensive investment portfolio, which includes interests in banking, real estate, manufacturing, health, and agriculture.
NSSA, a statutory body mandated to provide social security to Zimbabweans, has struggled with leadership instability for years. Since 2015, the institution has witnessed a revolving door of directors, general managers, and staff, with many removed due to scandal or poor performance. This high turnover has been a key factor undermining the authority's ability to deliver consistent and effective services to pensioners and contributors.
Shava's appointment is seen as a potential stabilizing force for the institution, with expectations that he will restore confidence, improve governance, and reposition NSSA to better serve its mandate. His background in occupational health and safety, along with his experience within NSSA, places him in a strong position to lead critical reforms and strengthen the institution's administrative and investment frameworks.
The government and stakeholders will be watching closely as Shava takes the reins, hoping that his leadership will mark a turning point for NSSA after years of controversy and underperformance.
The confirmation of Shava's appointment follows months of internal wrangling within NSSA's top ranks, with board chairman Emmanuel Fundira reportedly attempting to block the decision on personal and self-interested grounds. The standoff had caused a delay in finalizing Shava's elevation to the top job, despite him having effectively led the institution for nearly three years.
Shava replaces Arthur Manase, who was placed on leave of absence in July 2022 and subsequently left the authority in August 2023 amid a storm of corruption and mismanagement allegations. Manase had faced over 30 charges ranging from abuse of office and maladministration to financial misconduct.
The position of NSSA General Manager - equivalent to a chief executive officer - is regarded as one of the most strategic and powerful roles within Zimbabwe's public sector. The role commands broad authority over the management of NSSA's operations and control of its extensive investment portfolio, which includes interests in banking, real estate, manufacturing, health, and agriculture.
NSSA, a statutory body mandated to provide social security to Zimbabweans, has struggled with leadership instability for years. Since 2015, the institution has witnessed a revolving door of directors, general managers, and staff, with many removed due to scandal or poor performance. This high turnover has been a key factor undermining the authority's ability to deliver consistent and effective services to pensioners and contributors.
Shava's appointment is seen as a potential stabilizing force for the institution, with expectations that he will restore confidence, improve governance, and reposition NSSA to better serve its mandate. His background in occupational health and safety, along with his experience within NSSA, places him in a strong position to lead critical reforms and strengthen the institution's administrative and investment frameworks.
The government and stakeholders will be watching closely as Shava takes the reins, hoping that his leadership will mark a turning point for NSSA after years of controversy and underperformance.
Source - online
