The Social Security Commission (SSC) has noted with concern that some employers fail to register all their employees with the Commission as required by law. In terms of Section 20 (1) read with Regulation 2 of the Social Security Act, Act 34 of 1994, every employer shall within 30 days of becoming an employer register himself or herself as an employer with the Commission. Upon employing a person, the employer is again required to register such a person as an employee with the Commission within 30 days of commencement of duties. Employers are also required to register themselves with the Employees’ Compensation Fund, within 14 days of commencement of business.

Registration and 6 months continuous, paid-up member-ship is a pre-requisite for claiming benefits. In the past, the SSC honoured claims where the employees could prove that contributions were deducted from their salaries. "However, the SSC cannot continue this practice any longer, as it is charged with fulfilling and executing the letter and spirit of the Social Security Act", the company said on Wednesday. As from 1 June 2006, the SSC shall not honour any claims if employees are not duly registered and have a membership of at least six (6) continuous months and their contributions have been paid up. Failure to register employees brings a fine up to N$4000 or 12 months imprisonment or both.

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