Minister encourages self-employed to join Hifadhi scheme
MWANZA: MINISTER of State, Prime Minister’s Office – Labour, Employment and Relations Mr Deus Sangu has launched an awareness campaign aimed at promoting social security services among self-employed citizens, encouraging them to join the Hifadhi Scheme.
The scheme is a transformative initiative designed to provide social security services to people working outside the formal employment sector.
The campaign was conducted at the Kirumba Mwaloni Fish Market in Mwanza, targeting fishers and fish vendors, who are among the key beneficiaries of the Hifadhi Scheme.
The initiative encourages them to save for both their present and future well-being. During the launch and an official tour of the market, Mr Sangu interacted with entrepreneurs, including fishers and vendors, and also participated in fishing activities.
He was accompanied by the Mwanza Regional Commissioner, Mr Said Mtanda and the Director General of the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) Mr Masha Mshomba.
The visit also gave the minister an opportunity to better understand the working environment of fishers and other entrepreneurs who are among the main targets of the scheme.
Mr Sangu urged fishers, entrepreneurs, Mwanza residents and people from neighbouring regions to join the Hifadhi Scheme in order to benefit from the various services and social security benefits offered by the fund.
He also thanked President Samia Suluhu Hassan for ensuring that entrepreneurs are included in the national social security system, noting that the scheme will help Tanzanians improve their livelihoods and reduce poverty.
On his part, the Mwanza Regional Commissioner, Mr Mtanda said the region is ready to register more members if the current momentum of public awareness continues.
“The self-employed sector has grown significantly. Many citizens are involved in fishing, farming and other income-generating activities. With continued awareness campaigns like this, we expect to register many more people so they can benefit from the services offered by NSSF,” he said.
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The NSSF DG Mr Mshomba, encouraged selfemployed individuals to join and contribute to the scheme, which offers various benefits including oldage pensions, survivors’ benefits, social health insurance, invalidity benefits and maternity benefits.
He explained that the contribution system is userfriendly, with a minimum monthly contribution of either 30,000/- or 52,200/-, enabling members and their families to access social security benefits.
Earlier, the Member of Parliament for Ilemela, Mr Kafiti Kafiti, commended the Sixth Phase Government for extending social security services to self-employed citizens, allowing them to benefit just like employees in both the private and public sectors.
“My fellow citizens, receiving a pension is not limited to government or private sector employees. Anyone who earns an income now has that opportunity.
The doors are open, and as an ambassador for bodaboda and bajaji operators, we will continue creating opportunities for people to become self-employed, contribute and save for their future through the Hifadhi Scheme,” he said.
