Govt pronouncement on NAPSA reforms cheers union
GOVERNMENT’S pronouncement that it is in the process of reviewing the National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA) reforms has cheered the National Energy Sector and Allied Workers Union (NESAWU).
During Labour Day celebrations in Livingstone, Tourism Minister, Rodney Sikumba announced that Government was in the process of reviewing the NAPSA reforms.
Mr Sikumba said this is to harmonise the challenges that those who contribute to NAPSA have been undergoing after retirement.
And commenting on the pronouncement, NESAWU general secretary Clark Siankulu said the labour movement welcomes the move by government with hope that it will be materialised.
Mr Siankulu said in an interview that the situation has been bad and most contributors have died without receiving their money.
“We are delighted to hear it from the minister that the
NAPSA reforms will start as soon as possible, which is good for the workers.
“You are aware we have had a situation in this country where people will work and retire and after retiring, they may not even live long and they die. After dying, other people are the ones who benefit from what they worked for,” he said.
“So, with the government coming on board with NAPSA reforms it is a plus to the workers in Zambia. Meaning that most of our employees will be able to receive part of their subscription on time and be able to invest it,” Mr Siankulu said.
“They can either do business while they are working and by the time you are retiring, you will find that what they have invested will maybe be equal to what they will get from NAPSA,” he said.
He said, it was for that reason that the labour movement welcomed this gesture as it believes that the general workforce in the country will be happy.
Mr Siankulu is hopeful that the reforms will start as soon as possible.