No retrenchments ‘because of digitalisation’, SSC vows

Social Security Commission (SSC) chief executive officer Milka Mungunda says no employee will lose their job because of a new digitalisation drive at the commission.

The newly launched technology systems are expected to save the SSC about N$5 million annually.

Speaking during the launch of SSC’s new digital platforms last Friday in Windhoek, Mungunda said modernisation should not be confused with job cuts.

She revealed that 65 positions had already been replaced through automation and improved systems, with more operational changes expected in future.

She stressed that no worker had been dismissed as a result of the new systems.

“We have never retrenched anybody. We also don’t intend to retrench anybody,” she said.

“While I’m in social security, I will not retrench anybody because of digitalisation.”

Instead of cutting staff, Mungunda said the commission is retraining, upskilling and redeploying workers into other areas where they remain useful to the institution.

Retraining and upskilling

The launch comes as institutions across both the public and private sectors increasingly adopt digital systems, often raising questions about the future of certain administrative and manual roles.

SSC said its model will focus on retraining, upskilling and redeploying employees as technology changes the way work is done.

Officials said the new systems are expected to generate annual savings of around N$5 million through reduced paperwork, improved efficiency, faster turnaround times and lower administrative costs.

The commission also said the platforms would improve revenue collection, strengthen internal controls, modernise record-keeping and provide faster services to employers, employees and beneficiaries.

Mungunda said staff members currently spend too much time searching for documents and explaining delays, something the new systems are expected to reduce.

“Our teams will spend less time chasing documents and more time actually solving problems,” she said.

Trendsetter

She also used the occasion to underline the responsibility attached to managing public funds.

“At the end of the day this is not our money, it belongs to the people of Namibia. We are just entrusted to manage it properly.”

Justice and labour relations minister Wise Immanuel, who delivered the keynote address, praised SSC for taking the lead in digital transformation.

He described the commission as a trendsetter and said digital innovation is critical to improving service delivery, expanding inclusion and modernising government institutions.

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