The Mining Industry Pension Fund (MIPF) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that eligible mine workers receive their pension benefits, dismissing concerns over non-payment raised by some worker representatives.
Speaking to Great Dyke News, MIPF representative Mr. Thulani Ndlovu clarified that there are no current issues regarding Shabanie Mine’s pension contributions. He explained that while the company had previously struggled to remit subscriptions due to a period of reconstruction, it remains a registered member of the pension fund.
“MIPF and Shabanie Mine reached an agreement where the company offered a piece of land to clear its arrears and outstanding debt. As a result, the mine was re-subscribed to the pension fund, and active members continue to receive their benefits,” said Ndlovu.
He noted that workers who left the mine before 2022 were the most affected by the earlier shortfall but confirmed that many of them have since collected their due pensions. MIPF has also pledged to engage the employer to address any outstanding arrears for former employees.
The clarification comes after Justice Chinhema, Secretary General of the Zimbabwe Diamond and Allied Minerals Workers Union (ZIDAMWU), raised concerns over delays in pension disbursements, urging MIPF to prioritize workers.
“MIPF must fulfil its legal responsibility to pay pensioners directly and recover funds from the employer later,” Chinhema said.
In response, MIPF emphasized that it continues to operate within legal frameworks and remains committed to protecting the retirement security of Zimbabwe’s mining workforce.
