Civil Servants Receive COVID-19 Risk Allowance In US Dollars

The majority of civil servants have received their US$75 COVID-19 monthly risk allowance for January in cash while pensioners have received their US$30 allowances.

Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Paul Mavima confirmed the development, saying the Government was committed to improving the working conditions of its workers. Said Mavima:

Yes. I can confirm that all those that have been paid, and that is the majority, have received their US$75 allowance, paid into Nostro accounts and accessible as hard cash.

Civil servants’ representatives welcomed the move by the Government to pay their USD COVID-19 risk allowances in hard cash.

Apex Council deputy secretary-general Gibson Mushangu said civil servants expect the Government to also pay their salaries in foreign currency. Said Mushangu:

Yes, our members have started receiving the allowances for January. We appreciate the Government for honouring its pledge and we are hopeful and looking forward to a great year where the employer will pay us salaries in foreign currency. That matter is still before NJNC.

The first National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC) for 2022 was held on 14 January and the two parties – the Government and civil servants – agreed to meet “in the shortest time possible”.

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