ZSSF consults WCF on plans for compensation of workers

17Jan 2024
Correspondent
ZANZIBAR
News
The Guardian
ZSSF consults WCF on plans for compensation of workers

CONSULTATIONS are being engaged between the Zanzibar Social Security Fund (ZSSF) and the Workers Compensation Fund (WCF) after ZSSF unveiled plans to come up with a special scheme for paying compensation to employees who suffer occupational injuries.

ZSSF director general Nassor Shaaban said yesterday that the fund is studying the WCF operational format, on how it provides the service on the Mainland, at a forum bringing together top executives of a number of public institutions on both sides of the union, on the sidelines of the 10th Zanzibar International Trade Fair (ZITF).

The exhibition is attached to the 60th anniversary of the Zanzibar Revolution, taking place from January 10 to January 19, with ZSSF setting out its plans to participating executives visiting its pavilion.

In preparing to establish its benefits scheme for those injured at work, ZSSF was collaborating with WCF on its experience, he explained, noting that ZSSF had garnered essential links on experience tied with the relevant laws and regulations governing compensation issues.

This will enable them to make good preparations to establish the Zanzibar scheme.

Dr John Mduma, the WCF director general, said the fund has achieved considerable success since its inception, providing equitable compensation for employees who suffer occupational injuries or contract occupational diseases in the course of their employment, paid to dependents in case of death.

An online chronicler says that with effect from 1 July 2022 the amount payable by employers to the fund is 0.5 per cent of total employee earnings, where the CEO says WCF has become a role model in East Africa, the SADC region and Africa.

“We have been sharing experiences with some countries and saw that it is good to also share this experience with our colleagues in Zanzibar,” he said, pointing at a close partnership that will enable ZSSF to attain its goals in compensating workplace victims.

Exaud Kigahe, the Industries and Trade deputy minister, affirmed that the government was encouraging cooperation between public institutions on both sides of the union, to enhance productivity.

Latifa Khamis, the Public Entities CEOs Forum chairperson and Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TanTrade) director general, said the forum was intended to enable the heads of those institutions to share experiences on improving the provision of public services.

 

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