Journalists affiliated with the Tanzania Union of Journalists and Media Workers (JOWUTA) have enrolled in the National Social Security Fund's (NSSF) Hifadhi Scheme as part of efforts to improve social protection and retirement savings among media practitioners.
The enrolment followed a social security awareness seminar held over the weekend for JOWUTA members from Dar es Salaam and the Coast Region.
The programme, organised jointly by JOWUTA and NSSF, aimed to equip journalists with knowledge on the importance of long-term savings and the benefits available under the Hifadhi Scheme.
JOWUTA Secretary General Selemani Msuya said the union, which has more than 500 members nationwide, launched the initiative in Dar es Salaam and the Coast Region before rolling it out to other regions.
He said a significant proportion of journalists remain outside the country's social security system, leaving many without financial protection in retirement or in the event of disability.
"Many journalists are yet to join any social security fund. These training sessions are important because they encourage members to start saving for the future and secure access to social protection benefits," Mr Msuya said.
He urged participants to share the knowledge gained during the training with colleagues and the wider public to raise awareness of the importance of social security.
Representing the Secretary General of the Trade Union Congress of Tanzania (TUCTA), the federation's Treasurer, CPA Dr James Karanje, called on journalists and media employers to prioritise social security enrolment to safeguard workers against financial hardship after retirement or loss of earning capacity.
He said unofficial estimates indicate that nearly 70 percent of employees in the media sector are not covered by a social security scheme, despite the availability of flexible savings arrangements through the NSSF Hifadhi Scheme for private-sector employees and self-employed workers.
"The Hifadhi Scheme offers members access to retirement benefits, including pensions and health insurance services, thereby enhancing the welfare of workers and their families," Dr Karanje said.
NSSF Kinondoni District Manager Gerald Mkonyi said the fund would continue working with media stakeholders to increase awareness of social security and encourage more journalists to enrol.
He said improving financial literacy among journalists would enable them to make informed decisions about their long-term financial security and retirement planning.
