EMMANUEL Fundira, the ousted “straight-shooting” chairperson of the National Social Security Authority (Nssa), has mounted a surprise challenge against his dismissal — marking a dramatic twist in the latest controversy engulfing the compulsory pension fund amid a barrage of allegations.
Fundira, who was dismissed by Public Service and Social Welfare minister Edgar Moyo on June 23, had been touted as the remedy for an institution he once described, upon his 2024 appointment, as being “in the intensive care unit”.
At the time, he told the Zimbabwe Independent he was a “sharpshooter” prepared to administer “bitter medicine” to help the fund recover from years of disastrous investment decisions.
Effectively, the veteran tourism executive and top hunting safaris operator, was declaring his intent to safeguard the estimated US$1,2 billion under Nssa’s stewardship — and to help build a better post-retirement life for millions of Zimbabweans contributing to the scheme.
But in a shock move, Moyo dispatched a terse letter directing Fundira to vacate his high-profile post “with immediate effect” — three years before his contract was due to expire in 2028. A new board, led by Bulawayo town clerk and retired army major Christopher Dube, was announced as his successor.
Initially, it appeared Fundira had accepted his fate. But documents obtained by the Independent this week exposed intense behind-the-scenes efforts by the former chairperson to challenge the move.
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In his one-page letter to Fundira, Moyo had even praised him for “stabilising” the fund — sparking a sharp and pointed response from Fundira, who appeared to question the rationale for his removal if he had executed his mandate effectively.
Firing back, Fundira — who declined to comment publicly this week — lined up a series of pointed questions for the minister, raising concerns over possible violations of the Public Entities Corporate Governance Act. It was an unprecedented move from an executive in a system often governed by political patronage.
“My appointment was for four years and expires in May 2028,” Fundira reminded his superiors, including President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who was copied on the letter.
“I am writing to respectfully bring to your attention that, upon careful examination of the termination letter, I noticed that the stated reason is ‘to lay a new foundation for Nssa’. However, the letter does not cite any section of the Nssa Act or the Public Entities
Corporate Governance Act as the basis for this action.
“After thorough review, I believe the applicable legal provision in this matter is Section 16 of the Public Entities Corporate Governance Act,” he said.
In Zimbabwe, it is rare for a government-appointed executive to publicly contest their dismissal, particularly given the entrenched culture of political control over parastatal boards. Fundira is well aware of the political machinery he is challenging — one unlikely to yield to questions or resistance.
It has become customary for ministers to fire boards of parastatals under their watch shortly after assuming office. Nssa itself has cycled through four boards and five general managers since 2015 — a revolving door many observers blame for persistent governance and performance failures.
Still, Fundira is determined to get answers. His letters cite Section 16 of the Act, which states: “Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in the enabling instrument of the entity concerned, no board member of a public entity shall be dismissed or required to vacate his or her office unless
- he or she has been guilty of conduct inconsistent with his or her membership of the entity;
- he or she has become disqualified for appointment to the board;
- he or she was appointed to the board by virtue of a particular qualification and has ceased to have that qualification; or
- he or she has failed to comply with conditions of service or provisions of the performance contract.”
The Act further provides that: “The head of the line ministry shall promptly inform the head of the unit of the dismissal or removal ... If the head of the unit considers that the dismissal or removal ... will be unlawful or unjustified, he or she shall inform the minister ...”
Fundira urged Moyo to revisit the decision.
“I therefore kindly request that you review this matter to ensure that the correct legal provision is applied. I appreciate your attention and look forward to your response,” he wrote.
In his letter to Fundira, Moyo had stated: “I write to advise you that your appointment as Nssa board chairperson has been terminated with immediate effect to lay a new foundation for Nssa in line with the new strategic thrust and structure approved recently.
“I wish to sincerely thank you for bringing stability to Nssa at a time when the organisation was implementing forensic audit recommendations. Meanwhile, a new chairperson and board have been appointed.”
Dube, the new Nssa chairperson, made headlines last year in Zimbabwe’s second-largest city after refusing to vacate his post as town clerk following an attempted suspension by councillors.
The new board includes labour union representatives such as Florence Taruvinga, president of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions, as well as private sector leaders from Zimnat Asset Management and the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange-listed Dairibord. The Public Service Commission also has a seat.
When Fundira took over from Percy Toriro, who had resigned, he promised to instil discipline and prudence in Nssa’s operations.
“I am a straight-shooter and I will not tolerate anything that diverges from what we are pronouncing as an organisation,” he said during his inauguration.
“We will ensure that our investments are conducted in a prudential manner in a quest to give value not only to myself, but to everybody else who has contributed their lives.
“Nssa is in an intensive care unit, where the doctor must prescribe medicine. Some of the medicine may be harsh, but the intention is to restore good health.”
He also noted a deep mismatch between Nssa’s stated corporate values and the image it projected to the public.