Maseru, Nov. 04 — The Public Officers’ Defined Contribution Pension Fund held its fourth annual Member Engagement Forum in Maseru on Wednesday, providing a platform for members to discuss issues relating to their pension benefits and administration.
Speaking at the opening of the forum, the Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Dr. Rets’elisitsoe Matlanyane said that the gathering provides an opportunity for the Fund to engage members on matters affecting them.
She noted that it also enables members to take an active role in understanding their pension benefits and making informed decisions towards preparing for retirement.
Dr. Matlanyane said that the engagement reaffirmed the Fund’s commitment to providing members with the necessary information, guidance and support to empower them.
Meanwhile, Minister of Sports Mr. Mputi Mputi speaking on behalf of the Minister of Public Service emphasised the importance of coordinated collaboration between pension policies, Public Service administration, payroll systems and the operations of the Fund.
He noted that weaknesses in any of these areas could directly affect members’ employment records, registration with the Fund and eventual retirement benefits.
Mr. Mputi highlighted the need to strengthen cooperation among relevant institutions to ensure effective pension administration and improved service delivery.
He commended the Board, Management and other stakeholders for organising the annual forum, describing it as an important platform for promoting transparency, accountability and constructive dialogue between public officers, who own the Fund and those entrusted with its management.
He encouraged stakeholders to sustain the annual engagements stressing that concerns raised by members should translate into tangible improvements in policy implementation and service delivery.
Ends/NT
