The
Social Security Commission (SSC) this week started to review its legislative
framework, namely the Social Security Act and the Employees’ Compensation Act.
The review of the enabling legislation became apparent as certain amendments
are necessary for the efficient and effective implementation of the SSC’s
mandate.
Speaking
at the official opening, SSC Board of Commissioners Chairman, Mr Rick Kukuri,
indicated that the SSC legal framework reform process will be done in two
phases. The first phase will focus on effecting immediate changes to improve
the operational efficiency and effectiveness in line with new technology,
national needs and international developments. The second phase will focus on
strengthening legislative framework to implement outstanding funds such as the
National Pension Fund and the National Medical Benefit Act.
(Photograph: Social Security Commission Board of Trustees and Management Team)
The amendment
process will focus on the following:
· Fill the legislative gaps and make the
laws current to bring them up to date with the latest developments and trends;
· Remove barriers imposed in terms of the
Acts, e.g under the current section 20 of the Social Security Act, a
self-employed person can only register with the Commission if they do not
employ any other person. This provision is very prohibitive because in practice
many self-employed also employ other persons. This provision is seen by many
seen going against the spirit of one of the key strategic objectives of the SSC
which relates to the extension of coverage to the informal sector and the
uncovered workers in Namibia;
· Streamline operational needs and the
needs of stakeholders on the ground;
· Cater for the growth and implementation
of outstanding benefits;
· Introduce and reflect prevention and
integration as a complementary function under the Social Security Act and the
Employees’ Compensation Act.
The
SSC Chairman urged fellow Commissioners and management to begin with lobbying
various stakeholders, including Government, social partners, the employers,
workers and the lawmakers’ at all possible forums to support the draft
amendments.
Once
adopted by the SSC, the draft amendments will be forwarded to the Ministry of
Labour and Social Welfare to decide on the way forward.
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