The Public Service Social Security Fund (PSSSF) has conducted a special training programme for journalists on social security matters as part of its efforts to enhance public and members’ understanding of the services, rights and responsibilities provided by the Fund.
The two-day training, which began on August 17, 2026, was officially opened by the PSSSF Kinondoni Regional Manager, Mr. Costa Mpagike, on behalf of the PSSSF Director General, Mr. Fortunatus Magambo.
Speaking during the opening of the training, Mr. Mpagike said the main objective was to build and strengthen a lasting relationship between PSSSF and the media to facilitate the provision of accurate information to the public on social security matters.
“As you know, this two-day training aims to build and strengthen a lasting relationship with media institutions and journalists, increase public and members’ understanding of PSSSF operations, as well as their rights and responsibilities through various training topics, promote analytical feature stories and reduce misinformation,” said Mr. Mpagike.
He added that, besides equipping journalists with knowledge of PSSSF systems and services, the Fund expects the participants to become ambassadors for disseminating accurate social security information in newsrooms and within the wider community.
“We will build your capacity so that you have accurate information about PSSSF and its services. This will enable you to report with greater truthfulness, professionalism and accuracy,” he emphasized.
Some of the participants expressed their appreciation for the training opportunity, saying the knowledge gained would help improve their journalistic work, particularly in reporting on social security matters.
The training coordinator, Mr. Nevile Meena, said the knowledge acquired would be useful in the participants’ journalistic work.
“If you do not know something, you cannot report it accurately. If you understand an issue, you will report it correctly. I thank PSSSF for building our capacity and increasing our understanding. Personally, I have been a journalist for many years, but there are some things I have only come to understand through this training. Learning never ends. I believe we will put this training into practice and perform even better in our work,” said Mr. Meena.
A journalist from Tanzania Standard Newspapers (TSN), Ms. Zena Chande, said the training had enhanced her understanding of the services and benefits provided by PSSSF.
“Essentially, I have gained a better understanding of how PSSSF carries out its responsibilities. What we have learned here will help me perform my work better. Before this training, I did not have sufficient knowledge about the retirement lump-sum benefit, pension and the eligibility requirements for accessing these benefits. Now I have gained a much better understanding,” said Ms. Chande.
“It is a very beneficial training for us journalists because we have an important role in communicating with the public, including PSSSF members,” said Ms. Julieth Robert, a journalist with ITV.
Meanwhile, veteran journalist and current PSSSF pension beneficiary, Mr. Beda Msimbe, shared his experience on the importance of pension benefits in the life of a retiree.
“This pension helps me greatly in my daily life. After retirement, there are still challenges in life, but I am happy to be a PSSSF member. I am now a retiree receiving a pension every month. When the 22nd of each month arrives, I receive a text message informing me that the money has been deposited into my account. Indeed, PSSSF is performing its responsibilities well,” said Mr. Msimbe.
The training is part of PSSSF’s broader strategy to continue working with various stakeholders, particularly the media, to educate the public on the importance of social security and the services provided by the Fund.
