National Social Security Authority (Accident Prevention and Workers' Compensation Scheme) (Amendment) Notice, 2024 (No. 24)

The Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare has changed how a worker's earnings are computed for the NSSA Accident Prevention and Workers' Compensation Scheme, amending section 41 of the 1990 scheme notice (S.I. 68 of 1990).

The general test stays the same: earnings are computed in the way best calculated to give the rate per month at which the worker was being remunerated at the time of the accident. What is new is the rule that decides which figure to use.

Where allowances and other benefits exceed the basic salary, the allowances and other benefits are grossed up and deemed to be the salary for premium purposes. Where allowances and other benefits do not exceed the basic salary, the basic salary is used.

This matters because a great many Zimbabwean employers have kept a small basic salary and paid the bulk of remuneration through housing, transport and other allowances. For those employers the premium base moves up to the allowance total, and the premium rises accordingly.

The notice states expressly that it is effective from the date of publication, which was 16 February 2024.

One thing to note: the amendment is framed in terms of calculating the premium, but section 41 governs "earnings" and "monthly earnings" generally under the scheme, which is also the basis on which compensation is worked out. Employers and injured workers should read the amended section as it stands rather than assume it affects only what is paid in.