By Tiyese Kaira

In a climate of rising public demand for accountability and transparency, the Local Authorities Superannuation Fund (LASF) is making headlines with a decisive institutional overhaul. Its recently launched 2024–2026 Strategic Plan is not just an administrative document, but a profound pledge to transform the Scheme into a beacon of governance, transparency, and trust.

This Strategic Plan aligns LASF’s operations with the core pillars of Zambia’s Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP), signalling a fundamental shift in how the Scheme manages the retirement security of thousands who look up to it, to ensure security in the after-employment phase. It establishes integrity excellence at the very heart of the Scheme’s renewed mission.

The Strategic Plan makes it clear that robust governance is the key to LASF’s future and commits the Scheme to dramatically strengthening Board oversight and elevating management accountability by mandating strict ethical standards across all levels.

Echoing the 8NDP’s call for efficiency, the Scheme is simultaneously fortifying its finances and risk mitigation strategy. LASF is deploying a sophisticated comprehensive risk management framework, with internal controls being strengthened through advanced automated financial systems which are subjected to rigorous independent audits for real-time reporting. By meeting set benchmarks, the Scheme assures its stakeholders, especially retirees, of financial security.

Technology is acting as the new engine of good governance for the Scheme. LASF is looking to heavily investing in digital platforms that will reduce human error and drastically improve service delivery for every member.

Tthis entire transformation is however, incomplete without the mention of the Core values which are at the center of changing the work culture at the Scheme. The New Core Values which play out in the acronym “I ACT IT”, are aimed at ensuring that every staff member walks the talk and contributes effectively to this transformation process.

As Team LASF, our belief in Integrity, Accountability, Courtesy, Transparency, Innovation and Teamwork is more than just words but our resolve to offer a service that beckons you to soar with us as we aim for higher heights.

Our Core Values

Integrity

We believe in acting honestly and ethically in all dealings. This ultimately means adhering to a strong moral code, ensuring that our actions match our words, and build trust by guaranteeing decisions that are free from deception or conflicting interests.

Accountability

We take full responsibility for our performance, decisions, and outcomes. This require us owning both our successes and failures and taking responsibility for corrective action. It is this belief which drives our performance, resulting in identification of roles and enhanced resource management.

Courtesy

As team LASF, we aim at showing politeness, respect, and consideration in every interaction. This encompasses professional demeanor and effective communication. By practicing courtesy, we aim to foster a positive work environment and enhance stakeholder experience.

Transparency

By operating with openness and clarity and providing timely and complete disclosure of information when needed, transparency allows us to offer ourselves to stakeholders who will in turn hold us to account and builds faith in fairness.

Innovation

As we strive towards improvement of service quality, innovation will ensure the relevance of the Scheme in the provision of social security amidst technology advancement.       

Teamwork

We believe in breaking down the silos and working as a team as we enhance our collaborative efforts aimed at high quality service delivery. Teamwork requires mutual respect, open communication, and an understanding that collective performance surpasses individual contribution, leading to stronger problem-solving and results.