dyton mupawaenda
As we mark the 30th anniversary of the Pension and Other Benefits Scheme (POBS), I am reminded of a moment that brought the importance of NSSA House into focus.
A few days ago, when my wife picked me up from work, she looked up at the building with admiration and said: “I wish I could work in such a beautiful and imposing building as NSSA House.”
She has always been drawn to aesthetics, often willing to trade functionality for beauty.
Her comment sparked a silent curiosity in me about this landmark and its deeper significance — not just as architecture, but as a symbol of the values POBS and NSSA stand for.
The National Social Security Authority (NSSA) head office, with its imposing structure and unique materiality, embodies more than just being a place of work.
It is a manifestation of NSSA’s commitment to social security in Zimbabwe.
Constructed with reinforced concrete, the building exudes stability and resilience — qualities that mirror NSSA’s mission to provide a reliable social safety net for Zimbabweans.
Its tall, strong form is a reflection of the aspirations of the pensioners and beneficiaries who look to NSSA as a source of security and hope.
Strategically located in the heart of the capital, NSSA House stands at the intersection of history and progress, occupying a space rich in symbolic meaning.
Flanked by Selous Avenue, named after Frederick Selous, a figure from the colonial era, and Sam Nujoma Street, which honours a Namibian revolutionary, NSSA House sits at a crossroads of the nation’s colonial past and its commitment to a Pan-African future.
This juxtaposition serves as a reminder of Zimbabwe’s journey — a journey from the colonial legacy towards a future of independence, self-reliance and solidarity with the African continent.
Across the street stands Cecil Rhodes House, a lingering symbol of colonial enterprise.
In contrast, NSSA House, with its towering height and strength, casts a metaphorical shadow over this relic, symbolising a shift from colonial dependence to a future rooted in self-sufficiency and social protection.
The building, with its cast-in-place concrete, is designed to withstand both literal and figurative storms, much like the pension fund it houses.
This durability represents NSSA’s enduring promise to protect its contributors from economic volatility and to ensure their financial security.
NSSA House is not merely a structure; it is a monument to the social contract between Zimbabwe and its citizens — a contract that assures workers their contributions will lead to a dignified retirement.
As we celebrate three decades of POBS, the building stands tall, reminding us of NSSA’s unwavering commitment to its mission.
More than concrete and steel, NSSA House is a symbol of hope and resilience.
It is a testament to the value of social responsibility, a promise etched in Zimbabwe’s skyline, signifying that the nation values the dignity and security of its people.
As POBS turns 30, NSSA House stands as a powerful emblem of Zimbabwe’s dedication to a future where its senior citizens can retire with pride and peace of mind.
Online Reporter
Wenslus Murape
