This paper attempts to trace the historical development of social security in Zimbabwe and to explore the possible options for developing a comprehensive social security system. The paper postulates that the development of social security in Zimbabwe is inextricably linked to the country's colonial history. Racial discrimination in colonial Rhodesia led to the introduction of fragmented social security schemes (for the non-African population) old age pensions, public assistance and occupational pensions for purposes of income maintenance in cases of involuntary loss of income. The same protection was not extended to Africans because it was assumed that their needs were simple and easily met within the peasant economy. Although attainment of independence brought an end to all forms of racial discrimination, Zimbabwe still does not have a comprehensive social security system. A unique administrative framework could be set up to enable the rural population to participate in a contributory social security scheme and at the same time benefit from a non-contributory social security scheme. The success of such an approach depends on linking it to a strategy of rural development geared towards increasing the productivity of the poor.
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