Harare – Civil servants across the nation have begun to receive part of their annual bonuses as the Government follows through on its commitment to pay a 13th cheque. Observations from The Herald indicate that since last Friday, banks and major supermarkets have been bustling with activity as civil servants withdraw their bonuses and indulge in shopping sprees.
The Government announced earlier this month that bonus payments would commence in November. The security services were the first group to receive their bonuses, followed by employees in the health and education sectors, with the remainder of the civil service set to follow. As in previous years, traditional leaders and their messengers will also benefit from these annual bonuses.
In an interview, Mr Simon Masanga, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, confirmed the Government’s strategy. “We agreed that bonuses were going to be spread over two months, that was the initial plan that we made and agreed upon,” he stated.
Cecelia Alexander, president of the Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions (ZCPSTU), also acknowledged that civil servants have started receiving their bonuses. “Yes, civil servants have started receiving their bonuses, members of the uniformed forces were the first to receive and we are expecting teachers to start receiving their portion this week,” she noted.
Mrs Alexander praised the Government for fulfilling its promise, stating, “We are happy with what Government has done because they did what they said they would do during the National Joint Negotiating Council meeting.” This sentiment reflects a broader satisfaction among public sector workers regarding the Government’s commitment to their welfare.
In Bulawayo, reports from our sister paper, Chronicle, confirmed that security and health sector employees began receiving their bonuses last week. Apex Council secretary-general David Dzatsunga expressed appreciation for the timely payments, saying, “Yes, civil servants started receiving their bonuses, the 50 percent as mentioned by the Government. Uniformed forces got theirs today and the next will be education and the last will be the rest of the civil servants.”
This month, civil servants will receive the first bonus payment, amounting to 50 percent of the total bonus, which will be disbursed alongside their November salaries. The remaining balance is expected to be paid in December. This staggered payment approach aims to alleviate pressure on the banking system and reduce long queues at banks.
While the timely payment of bonuses has been welcomed, Dzatsunga emphasised the need for continued improvements in civil servants’ welfare. “We appreciate that civil servants got their bonuses but there is a lot that needs to be done to improve their welfare. Come next year we will continue to engage the Government so that we get to US$840 that we want,” he said.
Over the years, the Government has made various commitments to enhance the conditions of service for public sector workers, including initiatives for affordable transport, housing, and duty rebates on motor vehicles. Relations between the Government and civil servants have noticeably improved, largely due to the willingness of both parties to engage in constructive dialogue.
