Govt Flags US$15K Monthly Salary, Bonuses and Lavish Perks for NSSA Boss
The Government, through the Corporate Governance Unit (CGU) in the Office of the President and Cabinet, has raised concerns over the hefty salary and benefits proposed for National Social Security Authority (NSSA) General Manager Dr Charles Shava.
The CGU has recommended that the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare step in to address the issue.
Dr Shava has been serving as NSSA’s acting general manager since July 2022 and recently emerged as the top candidate for the permanent role, beating out six other contenders.
Govt Flags US$15K Monthly Salary for NSSA Boss
According to documents reviewed, NSSA proposed a basic monthly salary of US$15,730 for Dr Shava. Forty percent of this was to be paid in United States dollars, with the remainder in Zimbabwean dollars. However, the CGU has intervened, calling for a downward review. It cited Section 20 (2) of the Public Entities Corporate Governance (PECG) Act, which limits executive compensation to between 30 and 70 percent of a public entity’s revenue or operational budget.
Bonuses, Allowances, and Perks Also Questioned
The NSSA board also proposed a performance bonus amounting to 25 percent of the annual salary, about US$47,280 per year or US$3,940 per month. While the CGU agreed with the 25 percent cap, it stressed that such bonuses must be strictly performance-based and tied to the organisation’s overall achievements.
A 10 percent representation allowance — roughly US$1,730 — was also proposed to cover Shava’s official duties, but it was flagged for review along with other benefits.
Also read: NSSA to Increase Monthly Pension Payouts by 66%
Housing, Education, Security Benefits & Luxury Benefits Rejected
The proposed contract included the provision of a house in one of Harare’s low-density suburbs, but the CGU rejected this outright. It is advised that if accommodation is provided, it must be leased at market rates under a formal agreement.
The contract also offered full coverage of school fees for up to three children, benchmarked against institutions like Prince Edward School and Africa University. However, the CGU recommended limiting this to government primary and secondary schools, and capping university fees to public institutions such as the University of Zimbabwe or Harare Polytechnic. The allowance would exclude exam fees and levies, and payments would only be made upon submission of invoices.
The CGU further declined a request for full coverage of subscriptions to three professional bodies, noting that such costs should not be fully covered by the employer.
A number of additional perks were flatly rejected. These included:
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24-hour home security
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Full DStv bouquet
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Two domestic workers
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Paid holidays for the general manager and spouse in business class, with up to four children flying economy
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A US$3,000 holiday allowance per person
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A vehicle loan equal to the annual gross salary
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Payments for personal development
According to the CGU, these proposals were inconsistent with the current public sector remuneration guidelines and must be removed from the final contract.
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