NSSA warns consultants over fraudulent declarations

Published: 3 hours ago

The National Social Security Authority (NSSA) has raised alarm over alleged collusion between independent consultants and employers to under-declare workers, a practice that undermines social security contributions.

Speaking at a stakeholder engagement held at Junior High School in Masvingo on Tuesday, NSSA provincial compliance supervisor Agness Pretty Muzembe warned that consultants involved in such practices risk blacklisting and legal action.

"We are aware of cases of consultants who advise their clients to under declare the number of workers to NSSA so that they pay less in contributions," said Muzembe.

"For example, employers with 100 workers are told to only declare 50 or less. Some even go to the extent of opening new files after discovering that the current one is in the red. That behaviour must stop."

She revealed that one consultant in Chiredzi has already been blacklisted for engaging in such conduct, cautioning others that "the long arm of the law" would eventually catch up with offenders.

Muzembe acknowledged the economic challenges facing businesses but stressed that non-compliance carries greater long-term risks.

"Liars have short legs and when a tragedy happens, the whole truth will come out and you will be left exposed," she said.

She urged employees to take an active role in safeguarding their welfare by checking their registration status through NSSA's self-service portal, even though doing so could carry workplace risks.

"It's better that you know your NSSA status than to be in the dark," she added.

The NSSA official also criticised consultants who allegedly advise employers to maintain separate records for different statutory bodies, including the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA), the Zimbabwe Manpower Development Fund (ZIMDEF), and National Employment Councils.

"We are aware that there are consultants who advise their clients to have separate files for each statutory body… that's cheating, it's unethical, please stop it," she said.

Muzembe further called on employers to cooperate with NSSA inspectors by allowing employees to provide information during inspections, instead of withholding it or threatening staff with dismissal.

"Even in your absence, inspectors should be able to get the required information," she said.

The engagement drew more than 150 delegates and comes amid efforts by NSSA to strengthen compliance and protect workers' social security rights.
- Midweek Watch

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