.Zitto feted for drive on social security

Kigoma North Mp Zitto Kabwe holds the award he won as the first East and Central Africa champion on Social Security Protection Scheme during the 7th Social Security Protection Policy makers conference in Livingstone, Zambia. Left is minister for Labour and Employment Gaudensia Kabaka, minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Regional Administration and Local Government) Hawa Ghasia (second right ) and Social Security Regulatory Authority director general Irene Kisaka (right). PHOTO | SAUMU MWALIMU 

By Saumu Mwalimu,The Citizen Reporter

In Summary

• Mr Kabwe said he was pleased that in a short time, people from the informal sector had welcomed his initiative

Livingstone. Kigoma North MP Zitto Kabwe received an award as Africa’s first champion in social security, even as it was announced that more than 43,000 farmers countrywide have now enrolled with the National Social Security Fund (NSSF).

Receiving the award during the 7th East and Central Africa meeting of Social Security Protection (Ecassa) policy makers in Zambia, Mr Kabwe said he was pleased that within a short time, people from the informal sector had welcomed his initiative positively.

“It was just last year when only 750 farmers from Kabogo, Rusaba and Matyazo in Kigoma joined the NSSF through their cooperative union Rumako.

I am grateful to see now that NSSF has picked up the idea to record rapid expansion. We can attain phenomenal results and help our people plan for their lives,” he said.

A beaming  Mr Kabwe dedicated the award to his constituents.

“I dedicate this award to coffee farmers in Kigoma North, dada Salima the cassava street vendor and the Leka Dutigite group, whose acceptance to join NSSF through my efforts have enabled me to be recognised in the region and Africa,” said the Kigoma North MP.

He said his dream was to see all Tanzanians with social security coverage in order to boost savings, increase investments in the country and end poverty.

Presenting the award, Ecassa chairman Charles Mpundu said the recognition of Mr Kabwe was an effort in the right direction as other member countries strived to expand their coverage to include more people from the informal sectors such as farmers.

“It is the first time this award is being given to a politician; I’ll call it an exceptional recognition...we honour his efforts and don’t take them for granted.

It is a lesson to be learnt by all the members,” he said.