Harare, Zimbabwe – July 4, 2025 – Dr. Emmanuel Fundira, the former chairman of the National Social Security Authority (NSSA), has formally challenged his dismissal along with the entire NSSA board by the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Edgar Moyo.
Dr. Fundira formally challenged his dismissal on the basis that it was unlawful and procedurally flawed, arguing that the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare did not follow due process as required by the NSSA Act and related governance regulations. He contends that his four-year term, set to expire in May 2027, was terminated without just cause or proper consultation, and that the dissolution undermines the independence and stability of the authority’s governance.
The board, which Dr. Fundira chaired since May 2023, was abruptly dissolved in late June as part of the government’s stated effort to “align NSSA with a new strategic vision.” The dismissal came amid escalating tensions between the board and Minister Moyo, primarily over the appointment of Charles Shava as NSSA’s substantive General Manager—a position that had been vacant for nearly three years.
The newly appointed NSSA board, announced in June 2025 and chaired by Christopher Dube, includes the following members:
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Christopher Dube (Chairman)
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Mr. W. Mbandawana
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Mrs. Florence Matorera
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Mrs. Josephine Takundwa
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Mr. Innocent Chinyama
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Mr. Gilbert Dagabarasha
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Mrs. Florence Daruenga
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Mr. David Datsunga
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Mrs. Ruth Sibanda
Sources reveal that Dr. Fundira opposed Shava’s appointment, favoring his own candidate, a move reportedly linked to attempts to revive a controversial US$10 million software contract with Twenty Third Century Systems. This contract, originally signed in 2013, had previously resulted in significant financial losses for NSSA and was under legal dispute. Fundira’s resistance to the minister’s preferred appointment was seen as an effort to maintain influence over the pension fund’s operations and the disputed contract.
Twenty Third Century Systems (TTCS) was founded and is owned by Ellman Tigere Chanakira, a Zimbabwe-born businessman. He is the Chairman and Founder of the company, which was established in 1996 and specializes in digital transformation and business solutions across Africa. TTCS operates in multiple African countries and partners with leading technology brands to provide IT infrastructure and business applications to sectors including government, financial institutions, telecoms, mining, and social security agencies.
In response to his dismissal, Dr. Fundira has lodged an official appeal, contesting the legality and grounds of the termination. His four-year term was set to run until May 2027, making the early termination a significant development in the governance of the state-owned pension fund.
Timeline of NSSA Boards
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2015–2018: The NSSA board served a three-year statutory term ending June 2018. The board was dissolved following the expiry of its tenure, with acting chairperson Daphne Tomana overseeing the transition.
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2018–2021: A new board was appointed post-2018, tasked with aligning NSSA’s operations with the government’s economic vision. This board faced challenges including leadership changes and operational reforms.
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May 2023 – June 2025: Dr. Emmanuel Fundira was appointed chairman of the NSSA board. His tenure was marked by efforts to stabilize the authority during forensic audits and governance reforms. However, tensions arose over the appointment of Charles Shava as the substantive General Manager, a position vacant for nearly three years.
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June 2025: Minister Edgar Moyo dissolved the entire NSSA board, citing the need to realign the authority with a new strategic vision. The dismissal followed Fundira’s opposition to Shava’s appointment and controversies surrounding a disputed US$10 million software contract.
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July 2025: A new board, chaired by Bulawayo City Council town clerk Christopher Dube, was appointed to steer NSSA forward.
Dr. Fundira’s challenge to his dismissal centers on the legality and process of the board’s dissolution, arguing that his term was prematurely terminated without due cause. The dispute highlights ongoing governance struggles within NSSA, Zimbabwe’s key social security institution responsible for managing pension and workers’ compensation schemes.
Minister Moyo, while acknowledging Fundira’s role in stabilizing NSSA during forensic audit implementations, cited the dismissal as necessary to “lay the foundation for NSSA in line with the new strategic thrust recently approved.” The minister has since appointed a new board, chaired by Christopher Dube, Bulawayo City Council town clerk, signaling a fresh start for the agency.
Analysts warn that the ongoing high turnover of NSSA boards continues to undermine the authority’s stability and effectiveness, with governance challenges persisting as a key concern for Zimbabwe’s pension fund system.
Dr. Fundira’s appeal sets the stage for a legal and administrative showdown that could have lasting implications for the management and oversight of NSSA. The government is expected to announce an interim board shortly as efforts to restore order and transparency at the pension fund continue.
