The country has registered a good number of pension schemes. These include the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), Public Sector Pensions Fund (PSPF), Parastatal Pensions Fund (PPF), Local Authorities Pensions Fund (LAPF) and the Government Employees Pensions Fund (GEPF).
However, the social security system is serving a small part of the population. The coverage by the pension system in the mainland is currently restricted to workers in the formal sector, and the schemes cover less than 4 per cent of the total population and only 7 per cent of the country’s workforce.
Obviously, each Fund has an impressive list of benefits their members can enjoy and some additional remuneration for pensioners. This is good and deserves every support.
Nevertheless, a larger section of elders in the informal sector is left out of the scheme. This arrangement appeals for a serious review to the convenience of the targeted group of elders above 60 years of age.
Recently, the government announced some appreciable measures to increase monthly remittance to the elderly. The new development received overwhelming response despite the fact that some of them are reportedly yet to realize the difference on the amount received.
Cheerfully, the Zanzibar government has gone a step further. Over Sh400 million has been set aside to support the elderly on a monthly basis effective next financial year.
According to Zanzibar authorities, the established Universal Pension Fund will benefit more than 20,000 senior citizens in both Unguja and Pemba islands. We believe the initiative will serve as an inspiration to their counterparts in the mainland where thousands of elder citizens look forward to enjoying a similar programme.
The extent of desperation and urgent need for continued support to the elders was noticed when the First Lady, Janeth Magufuli, visited one of the old people care centres where she offered food supplies and other necessities.
In appreciation for the charitable visit, one of the elders thanked the First Lady for the support extended to them and, more importantly, the spirit of affection never demonstrated before.
The generous spirit shown by the First Lady should be emulated by other government officials as well as individuals who believe in supporting fellow human beings.
In some countries, elders are regarded as ‘walking libraries’ meaning that they are vested with wisdom that can help the community in different ways.
It should be remembered that elders just like any other human beings have private needs which could be met through access to funds. Despite the fact that the support might appear small, it makes a big difference physically and psychologically.
Time has come to adopt a system that does not segregate elders classified as retired workers in the formal sector and those from the informal sector. All come together at care centres with similar needs.
We believe the authorities will borrow a leaf from Zanzibar and take good care of the elderly.
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