ISSA Webinar

ISSA Webinar: Contribution collection in the context of COVID-19: Case of Southern Africa

8 July 2020 | Virtual

ISSA Webinar

ISSA Webinar: Contribution collection in the context of COVID-19: Case of Southern Africa

8 July 2020 | Virtual

Wednesday, 8 July 2020, 10:00–11:00 (UTC/GMT+2 or CEST)

Language: English

Webinar organised in collaboration with the ISSA Liaison Office for Southern Africa

How to ensure the financial sustainability of social security systems without hampering economic recovery? This question will undoubtedly constitute a major challenge for social security administrations while elaborating their contribution collection plans in the aftermath of the coronavirus emergency response.

Governments have adopted a set of measures intended to cushion the impact of the crisis (partial exoneration of contributions; flexibility in contribution payment deadlines; subsidies, etc.) on the economy and employment. However, many businesses face continued economic difficulties along with a contribution debt burden caused by the crisis, which will affect their solvency and the ability of governments to keep their promises.

Governments have therefore put in place some business support provisions to facilitate economic recovery such as tax exemptions and access to credit. Social security institutions are obliged to comply with these policies and relax their contribution collection systems. The continued contribution shortfalls, bankruptcies and layoffs caused by the crisis will affect the resources of social security systems and their financial balance in the medium and long term.

Speakers

Mason Mwiinga Mason Mwiinga, Contributions and Benefits Director, National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA), Zambia
Gaolatlhe Otsetswe Gaolatlhe Otsetswe, Fund Administration Director, Botswana Public Officers Pension Fund (BPOPF), Botswana

The webinar will tackle the following questions:

  • How to adapt existing contribution collection procedures to the new situation created by the COVID-19 crisis?
  • What measures should be taken to preserve the financial resources of social security systems and thereby the rights of insured persons without compromising the viability of businesses?
  • What is the role of the State in its capacity as guarantor of the financial sustainability of social security systems in the context of crisis?
  • How to take advantage of the momentum created by the crisis regarding the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to improve contribution collection and compliance?

Agenda

  • Opening by Marcelo Abi-Ramia Caetano, ISSA Secretary General
  • Technical introduction by ISSA Liaison Officer for Southern Africa
  • Country experience of NAPSA, Zambia
  • Country experience of BPOPF, Botswana
  • Q&A – Discussion
  • Conclusion by ISSA Secretary General

Moderated by Ms Thembinkosi Popho Mnisi, ISSA Liaison Officer for Southern Africa

The webinar is open to representatives of ISSA member institutions and invited participants without registration fee.