Lubango: The members of the Association of Taxi Drivers of Hula have embarked on a significant milestone by commencing individual pension payments to the National Institute of Social Security (INSS). This initiative, which began on Monday, April 21, marks a year since their registration with the INSS.
According to Angola Press News Agency, each member is set to contribute 3,540 kwanzas monthly through the association. The association will facilitate the process by creating a payment spreadsheet and subsequently providing receipts to its members. This effort follows a training session conducted by INSS technicians, aimed at educating the taxi drivers on accessing the portal for future benefits, including pensions and other forms of aid.
Nelson Luciano, the secretary for information of the Association of Taxi Drivers of Hula, expressed that all 168 affiliated members are committed to making these contributions. He highlighted the transformative impact of this development on the lives of taxi drivers. Luciano explained that the journey began in April 2024 under the policies of the INSS provincial services. Through a street campaign, they managed to reach 2,450 taxi drivers, who submitted necessary documentation to the association.
He emphasized the privilege of enabling taxi drivers to claim pension rights, especially when faced with disabilities in the labor market. Luciano urged those not yet registered to contact the association for assistance, underscoring the importance of self-contributions in the absence of employer registration.
The initiative aims to enhance the value of the taxi driver community, providing a safety net for when their physical capabilities are diminished. Luciano added that the idea was inspired by the experiences of taxi drivers affected by accidents, leading to immediate dismissals. Consequently, the association sought government intervention for special inclusion in the INSS.
In Angola, the framework for mandatory social protection for self-employed workers, including taxi drivers, is outlined by Presidential Decree No. 97/22, dated May 2. This decree mandates social protection for self-employed workers, ensuring access to benefits in instances of disability, death, or other circumstances of need.
Besides the Association of Taxi Drivers of Angola (ATA), Hula is also home to the Association of the New Alliance of Taxi Drivers of Angola (ANATA) and the Association of Independent Associated Benquisted Drivers of Angola (A-MBAIA).
