Senior Clerical Assistant (Administration) – Grade 5

Records Assistant

Assistant Registrar – Faculties (Gweru)

Security Guards (Gweru, Harare, Kwekwe & Zvishavane campuses)

Technical Sales Person/ Aluminium (Harare)

Regional Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) Officer (Bulawayo)

Boiler Maker (Harare)

Marketing & Sales Officer (Harare)

Compliance Officer (Harare)

Safety, Health and Environment Officer (Harare)

Business Unit Manager x2 (Harare)

Vehicle Sales Consultant - JAC (Harare)

Vehicle Sales Consultant – DONG FENG (Harare)

Vehicle Sales Consultant – BAIC (Harare)

Spray Painter (Harare)

Motor Vehicle Panel Beater (Harare)

Team Leaders x7

Billing Supervisor (Harare)

Sales Representative (Harare)

Auto Electrician: Artisan (Chipinge)

Sales Representatives (Harare)

Director Human Resource (Mutare)

Assistant Batch Plant Operator (Harare)

Legal & Compliance Manager (Harare)

Processes Analyst (Harare)

Finance Manager Corporate (Harare)

The Zimbabwean government has reportedly failed to pay civil servants on time, as many teachers—the largest group within the civil service—did not receive their salaries on the expected pay date of November 18.
In a statement, the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) warned the government against provoking civil servants.
ARTUZ said that as of Tuesday morning, approximately half of the civil servant population had yet to receive their full salaries, while the government continued to spend millions of dollars on various unnecessary trips. Said ARTUZ:
<blockquote>
We are receiving angering news. Government of [President Emmerson Mnangagwa] has failed to pay salaries on time to Civil servants. Approximately half of the Civil Servants population is still to receive their full paltry monthly allowance. We have seen this government blowing millions of dollars on one junket after the other. They must pay in time or face the anger of hard-working civil servants.
</blockquote>
This comes as the government is reducing foreign trips and banning workshops organised by government agencies due to an end-of-year cash squeeze.
Finance Secretary George Guvamatanga announced that the Treasury is also implementing a 50% reduction in fuel allocations to ministries and government departments.
Meanwhile, members of the security services and health sector reportedly received their salaries along with 50% of their bonuses last week.
Teachers and other civil service employees are scheduled to receive their salaries and 50% of their bonuses this week.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

The Zimbabwe government is not paying civil servants like teachers on time. The teachers did not get paid on November 18. The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe warned the government about this. The government is spending lots of money on unnecessary trips but not paying salaries. The government is now reducing foreign trips and workshops to save money. Some civil servants like security services and health workers got paid, but others are still waiting. Teachers and other civil servants are supposed to get paid their salaries and bonuses this week.

Civil Servants Face Salary Delays As "Broke" Zimbabwe Government Fails To Pay On Time

Zimbabwe’s civil servants have begun receiving their annual bonuses, which will be paid in instalments over November and December.
Permanent Secretary Simon Masanga confirmed this in an interview with <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/civil-servants-start-receiving-annual-bonuses/">The Herald on Sunday</a>. He said:
<blockquote>
We agreed that bonuses were going to be spread over two months, that was the initial plan that we made and agreed upon.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions (ZCPSTU) president Cecelia Alexander confirmed in a separate interview that civil servants have started receiving their bonuses. She said:
<blockquote>
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.
We are happy with what Government has done because they did what they said they would do during the National Joint Negotiating Council meeting.
</blockquote>
Last week, ZCPSTU told the Chronicle that the security and health sectors had started receiving part of their annual bonus. Said Dzatsunga:
<blockquote>
Yes, civil servants started receiving their bonuses, the 50 per cent as mentioned by the Government.
Uniformed forces got theirs today (Friday) and the next will be education and the last will be the rest of the civil servants.
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.
</blockquote>
This month, civil servants will receive 50% of their bonus, paid alongside their November salaries, with the remainder to be paid in December.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe civil servants are getting their yearly bonuses split up into two parts, in November and December. Soldiers got theirs first, followed by teachers. The government promised this during negotiations. Half of the bonus will be given this month, with the other half in December. The unions say more needs to be done to help civil servants, and they will keep talking to the government about it.

Zimbabwe Civil Servants Start Receiving Annual Bonuses

The government has said civil servants’ salaries will be maintained at 12% of the gross domestic product (GDP), with future adjustments based on GDP growth. 
This follows last week’s salary review, which increased the lowest-paid civil servants’ salaries from US$324 to US$364, backdated to September.
However, the US$40 increase is payable in the local ZiG currency, not USD.
Speaking at the Employers’ Confederation of Zimbabwe 42nd Annual Congress in Victoria Falls, Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister July Moyo said the government’s wage bill will not exceed 12% of the GDP. Said Moyo (via <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200033730/huge-salary-hike-spells-trouble-govt">NewsDay</a>):
<blockquote>
So how do we then make sure that our civil servants are paid adequately? Any country which pays its workers more than 12% of GDP, that economy is in trouble.
So we have adhered to it, we have agreed to it. So we say to the Finance minister, go and calculate, sometime, maybe, you can go a little bit beyond that, but let us remain within the 12% of GDP.
As a government, unlike you, who can measure your productivity in another way? It is who we measure our productivity by, the GDP.
So the productivity of all of the government, parliament, and judiciary everybody, is to save the economy. And we measure our productivity by the growth of GDP.
But if the GDP is growing, that means every year our workers will also have higher salaries. It’s the same as your turnover.
When your turnover is growing, and you say you are going to pay one-third of your turnover to your workers, that means every year they will have something to take home.
</blockquote>
Unions representing teachers, such as the Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) and the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ), have criticised the pay rise, calling it insignificant and ineffective in improving their members’ buying power.
PTUZ president Takavafira Zhou argued that the combined US dollars and ZiG salary after September 2024 is still below the market value of their previous monthly salaries before the recent devaluation of the ZiG currency.
He also said the government is unilaterally conducting a job evaluation to impose on civil servants.
ARTUZ secretary-general Robson Chere added that their members have rejected the small increment, which he claims resulted from an illegal joint negotiating platform. Said Chere:
<blockquote>
The current so-called outcome of the US$40 increment is a nullity. The exchange rate will wipe away the so-called increment as the bank rate is deliberately fixed below the real market rate.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The government will adjust civil servant salaries based on economic growth, with salaries staying at 12% of the GDP. Lower-paid civil servants got a raise backdated to September, but it's in local ZiG currency, not USD. Unions are unhappy with the increase, saying it's not enough to boost buying power, and the government is imposing job evaluations on them. They claim the raise will be negated due to the fixed exchange rate. The government defends the move, saying it's necessary to keep the economy stable.

Government To Base Future Civil Servant Salary Adjustments On Economic Growth

The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has criticised the government for misleading civil servants into believing they would receive a salary increase in United States dollars.
On Tuesday, 15 October, the Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions (ZCPSTU) announced that the government had increased civil servants’ salaries by US$40, backdated to September.
However, this increase will be paid in ZiG at the prevailing official exchange rate, not in US dollars.
ARTUZ said some civil servants are now deeper in debt after borrowing money in anticipation of a salary increase in USD. ARTUZ said:
<blockquote>
The Sunday Mail and the whole State propaganda machinery were in overdrive spreading disinformation on some fake USD increment.
The whole machinery is evil and has little regard for hard-working Civil servants. Some got into more debt anticipating an increment. 100% USD salaries now!
</blockquote>
Last week, The Sunday Mail reported that the government plans to award civil servants with a salary increase in USD, along with an annual bonus this year.
The publication cited Minister of Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare July Moyo, who stated:
<blockquote>
The Government has allocated a significant amount in US dollars to ensure that salary adjustments benefit all civil servants.
However, under the President’s directive, we have prioritised the upliftment of lower-income employees to bridge the wage gap.
While we understand that top-level officials can manage with their current salaries, it is imperative that we provide adequate support to those at the bottom of the ladder…
On the bonus, we will make an announcement after consulting with Treasury, but the bonus will certainly come.
</blockquote>
However, yesterday, the union representing civil servants, that is ZCPSTU, said government workers will get a salary increment of US$40 payable in local currency at the prevailing official exchange rate. It said:
<blockquote>
In the end, the employer committed to pay as follows; Review of salary by US$40 across the board for the grades of Deputy Director and below with effect from September 1, 2024.
Resultantly, the lowest Grade B1 will move from a salary of US$324 to US$364 effective 1st of September 2024…
The initial offer of US$31 million converted to local currency was dismissed as inadequate by the workers on two occasions.
The employer increased the envelope to US$41 million but insisted that it will be paid in local currency at the prevailing bank rate with effect from 1 September 2024.
The employer cited the drought, lower than expected United States Dollar revenue inflows and the government’s policy shift towards de-dollarization as reasons for the inability to pay more than the tabled offer.
Also cited was the very low ZiG pay for sections of the civil service whose statutory deductions are in limbo and that the 2024 Mid-term budget has no provision for a salary adjustment.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The teachers' union in Zimbabwe is upset because the government promised a salary increase in US dollars but will actually pay it in local currency. Some teachers borrowed money expecting a USD increase and are now in more debt. The government says they can't pay in USD because of low revenue and policy changes. Civil servants will get a $40 increase in salaries, but it will be in local currency. The government also plans to give a bonus, but details are still being worked out. Teachers are not happy with the situation.

What We Got Is Not A Real Salary Increase - Teachers

Government has said civil servants will get a USD salary raise and a annual bonus this year. The information was revealed in the state-controlled weekly publication, The Sunday Mail, today.
<a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/usd-salary-rise-bonus-for-civil-servants-workers-welcome-move">According to the article</a>, the salary increase will prioritise lower-income civil servants, and that the money has already been set aside by treasury.
The purpose of the raise is said to be to “to mitigate the impact of the recent devaluation of Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) against the US dollar.”
The government recently revised the rate of the Zig against the USD from 1:14 to 1:24.
The article quotes Minister of Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare July Moyo:
<blockquote>
The Government has allocated a significant amount in US dollars to ensure that salary adjustments benefit all civil servants. However, under the President’s directive, we have prioritised the upliftment of lower-income employees to bridge the wage gap.
While we understand that top-level officials can manage with their current salaries, it is imperative that we provide adequate support to those at the bottom of the ladder…
On the bonus, we will make an announcement after consulting with Treasury, but the bonus will certainly come.
</blockquote>
Last week, Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2024/10/03/civil-servants-to-get-salary-increase/">indicated government was reviewing civil servants’ salaries.</a>
The lowest civil servant earns a total of US $375, which comprises a basic salary of $218, transport allowance of US $66 and housing allowances of US $91.

Civil servants will get more money in their salaries and a bonus this year. The government wants to help lower-income workers the most. This is to help with the change in the value of Zimbabwe Gold compared to the US dollar. The government has already put money aside for this. The bonus will be announced later but it will happen. The Minister of Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare said they want to help all civil servants, especially the ones who earn less.

Civil Servants to get USD Salary Increase and Bonus

Minister of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion, Mthuli Ncube, has said civil servants will soon receive a salary increase to help mitigate the effects of a recent decision by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) to devalue the ZiG by over 40%.
In interviews with journalists following President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) to parliament on Wednesday, October 2, Ncube explained that the devaluation was intended to close the gap between the official and parallel market values of the local currency.
He acknowledged that the decline in the ZiG has affected salaries, hence the need to restore their purchasing power. However, Ncube said salaries for civil servants will not be fully restored. He said:
<blockquote>
Putting in place a flexible exchange rate or devaluation does have an impact immediately on incomes, on prices.
And for us as a government, we will make some adjustments, naturally, to civil service salaries to make sure that the purchasing power of the salaries is somewhat restored.
Maybe not in full, but because someone wants to get in there. So, there is bound to be pain, there’s bound to be impact, and that’s what happens with any policy.
Any policy does have negative impacts and that’s what will happen. But we will make some adjustments to make sure that those who are losers can be compensated somewhat.
It won’t be everybody who will be looked after, but we’ll do our best.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, about a fortnight ago, civil servants’ representatives rejected a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) offer presented by the government during a National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC) meeting.
The Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions (ZCPSTU) said that they had decided to escalate the matter to higher authorities for further engagement.
This means that even if civil servants receive a salary increase now, which Ncube acknowledged will not bring their salaries back to pre-ZiG devaluation levels, they will still be worse off and unlikely to feel satisfied.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The government is going to increase the salaries of civil servants in Zimbabwe because the value of the local currency has decreased a lot. This decrease is causing problems for people who work for the government. The Finance Minister said that even though the salaries will be increased, they won't go back to what they were before. This means that the civil servants may still not be happy with their pay. The union for civil servants rejected an offer from the government, so the issue is still not solved.

Civil Servants To Get Salary Increase

The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has urged the government to urgently review civil servants’ salaries in light of the official devaluation of the Zimbabwe Gold currency (ZiG) by over 40% against the US dollar.
On Friday, September 27, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) adjusted the ZiG exchange rate from 14.1 ZiG per dollar to 24.3 ZiG per dollar.
In response to this development, ARTUZ said the ZiG component of public sector salaries should be automatically adjusted to reflect the devaluation, without requiring additional worker demands. ARTUZ said:
<blockquote>
Mthuli Ncube and the employing authorities in government should not wait to be told that since ZIG has officially been devalued by 44% to the USD, the ZIG component of salaries should be automatically adjusted.
The success and stability of this Republic is on the shoulders of the workers. The government as the biggest employer should lead the way, prioritising the welfare of the workers.
</blockquote>
Businessman Kuda Musasiwa criticised the government for paying civil servants at the ZiG13.5 exchange rate, only to subsequently devalue the ZiG to 25. He described this action as “not only immoral but criminal.”
The Mayor of Bulawayo, David Coltart, who is a long-time opposition politician, said the the “timing of the devaluation seems cynically calculated.” He posted on X:
<blockquote>
Spare a thought for civil servants – paid just a few days ago and today the value of what is left in their bank accounts is almost slashed in half. The timing of the devaluation seems cynically calculated.
So much for this being “Zimbabwe Gold” – ZIG – when its value is going in the opposite direction to the actual gold price.
In any democracy, such catastrophic policy failure would end a government’s term of office. But we aren’t a democracy so those responsible continue with impunity.
</blockquote>
The devaluation of the ZiG will result in local consumers experiencing diminished purchasing power, which may lead to a decline in living standards.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The teachers in Zimbabwe want the government to give them more money because the value of their currency has gone down by over 40%. This means they can't buy as much with their salary as before. The teachers say the government should automatically adjust their salaries to make up for the drop in currency value. A businessman also criticized the government for paying the teachers less than what the currency is actually worth. This means people might have less money to buy things they need, which will make life harder for them.

Teachers Demand Urgent Pay Rise After Dramatic ZiG Fall

Civil servants’ representatives have rejected a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) offer presented by the government during a National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC) meeting on Friday, September 20.
The Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions (ZCPSTU) initially met with government officials on September 11, where the government proposed an offer that was subsequently rejected by civil servants.
It was agreed that the government negotiators would consult their principals and report back at the next NJNC meeting.
However, when the negotiating team returned on Friday, they brought back the same offer that had already been declined, resulting in a deadlock in the discussions.
In a statement issued on September 20, ZCPSTU said that they have decided to escalate the matter to higher authorities for further engagement.
However, ZCPSTU did not disclose any details regarding the government’s offer, including the amount and whether it was in Zimbabwean dollars (ZiG) or US dollars (USD).
Currently, most civil servants earn just over US$300 before deductions, along with approximately ZiG$2,000.
Below is the statement from ZCPSTU:
<blockquote>
The National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC) met on the 20th of September 2024 at Kaguvi building, Harare to discuss on the feedback of the consultations made by the Government team of negotiators from their principals.
On the previous meeting which was held on the 11th of September 2024, the Government had brought an offer which we did not accept.
In today’s meeting, the Government maintained its intial offer.
In light of the above, ZCPSTU would want to inform its stakeholders that it has not accepted the offer and urged the Government to improve the envelope.
It has also made a resolution to take the matter with higher offices for further engagement.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has criticised ZCPSTU for allegedly negotiating in bad faith and betraying the interests of civil servants.ARTUZ said:
<blockquote>
NJNC Salary negotiations are a bedroom affair between the government and a bunch of handpicked love birds of the ruling elites.
They can spend months talking to each other without consulting those they pretend to represent and without giving any concrete feedback.
We continue to call for the establishment of a genuine Collective Bargaining Council in line with s 203 (1) (b) read with s 65 (5) of the constitution.
Civil servants have a right to a fair wage birthed from genuine Collective Bargaining.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Civil servants rejected the government's offer of a pay increase. The offer was first rejected on September 11, but the government brought back the same offer on September 20. This led to a deadlock in the talks. The union representing civil servants is now taking the matter to higher authorities for more discussions. Another teachers' union criticized the civil servants' union for not representing their interests properly. They called for fair negotiations for a better salary for civil servants.

Civil Servants Reject Government's Salary Adjustment Offer

Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions (ZCPSTU), the umbrella union for civil servants, met with government representatives on September 11 under the National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC).
The NJNC serves as a collaborative platform that brings together government officials and public sector unions, providing a forum to explore viable solutions to address the concerns of state workers.
In a statement issued the day after the meeting, the ZCPSTU announced that the parties would reconvene this week. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
The NJNC reconvened yesterday to discuss the cost of living (COLA) for civil servants. After lengthy deliberations on the envelope tabled by the employer, the parties agreed to adjourn to give time for further consultation.
The NJNC agreed to meet in the coming week to receive feedback on the consultations and for further deliberations.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe’s civil servants receive a basic salary of US$320, supplemented by less than ZWG$2,000.
Over the years, civil servants have been demanding a return to their pre-October 2018 salary of US$540, and more recently, their demands have increased to US$840.
However, the government has consistently maintained that it cannot meet these salary demands, implementing only marginal increments that still fall significantly short of covering the basic needs of civil servants.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Civil servants in Zimbabwe met with the government to talk about their pay. The government and the unions will meet again to discuss COLA for civil servants. Civil servants get a low salary and want it increased to meet their basic needs. The government says it can't meet the demands for higher salaries. The two sides will keep talking to try to find a solution. The workers are hoping for better pay to cover their expenses. The process is ongoing, and both sides are trying to find a fair agreement.

COLA: Government, Civil Servants Set To Meet Again

Zimbabwe’s civil servants are longing for the salaries they earned during the Government of National Unity (GNU) era when they took home monthly paychecks of US$540.
Mbekezeli Dube, a 36-year-old Zimbabwe Prison and Correctional Service (ZPCS) officer (not his real name), lamented that the so-called “Second Republic” under President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration, which was ushered in by the November 2017 military coup, has reduced civil servants to a state of destitution.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200029246/civil-servants-long-for-gnu-days-as-govt-workers-face-new-realities">NewsDay</a>, Dube who was 24 years old when he joined the ZPCS, said during the GNU era, civil servants lived a comfortable life but now they are struggling to make ends meet. He said:
<blockquote>
The second republic has made us earn US$35 a month. Civil servants are struggling, personally I no longer love myself…
I joined the ZPCS not because I wanted to, but because I realised that a school dropout was making a significant living out of the US$540 that they earned.
During the Government of National Unity [GNU], ordinary folks managed to build their own houses and buy their first cars.
Government workers were earning around US$500 and retiring civil servants took not less than US$20 000 as lump sum money and minimum monthly pensions of around US$300.
But now [Finance Minister] Mthuli Ncube has reduced us to destitute. Gender-based violence will never stop when a father, who is a civil servant, gets a US$190 monthly salary to pay fees, buy food and pay rent, among other expenses.
On retirement after 40 years of service, they are given a US$300 lump sum pension contribution. Mthuli Ncube gives us his lunch money as a pension. Every month, we are backdated with deductions.
</blockquote>
In an interview with NewsDay, Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister July Moyo stated that the government can only afford to pay civil servants what it is currently capable of. Said Moyo:
<blockquote>
The government can only give what it can afford as the GDP [gross domestic product] of this country tells us what we can pay the civil servant.
The civil servants in this country are [in the] middle income [bracket], I know the salaries and wages of the civil servants.
Civil servants are at a higher level as compared to the private sector and earn more than those in the private sector.
There is a national joint negotiating council which negotiates for many things apart from salaries. They have a timetable for how they negotiate.
Just like the turnover of any company can tell you what they can afford to pay workers.
</blockquote>
However, Tendai Biti, who served as Finance Minister during the GNU era, expressed sympathy for the plight of civil servants.
Biti blamed the current Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Permanent Secretary, George Guvamatanga, for the civil servants’ dire situation. He said:
<blockquote>
I am sorry to say this, civil servants may wish to go back to US$540 salaries, but with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government, it is impossible. A mosquito will never kill malaria, never.
</blockquote>
A general duty soldier in the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA), Mengezi Dliwayo (not his real name), told NewsDay that the salary he is currently earning is not what he had signed up for. He said:
<blockquote>
Awa ndiwo ma funnies [These are jokes]. I get paid ZiG$1 300 and US$190 as a monthly salary. I have to pay rent and other bills.
This is why we have many ex-soldiers who quit and join armed robbers. The biggest problem is we cannot speak out, especially the uniformed forces like police, ZPCS and army. I honestly miss that US$540 salary which we used to get.
</blockquote>
In an interview with NewsDay, former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa said that the economic challenges facing civil servants and all other Zimbabwean citizens stemmed from the ongoing political crisis in the country. Said Chamisa:
<blockquote>
The broken politics in this country breaks everything and the broken economy is a product of broken politics.
It does not help to run away from the choice of the people, a political settlement is needed. Look at what happened in South Africa, they respected the choices of the voters who expressed the need for leaders to join hands and work together.
</blockquote>
The GNU was a power-sharing arrangement that was formed on February 13, 2009, and lasted until July 2013.
The parties that comprised the GNU were ZANU-PF, then led by the late Robert Mugabe who served as the President, MDC-T led by the late Morgan Tsvangirai who held the position of Prime Minister, and the MDC led by Arthur Mutambara who was the Deputy Prime Minister.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe's Civil Servants Yearn For Return To GNU Era Salaries

The National Social Security Authority (NSSA) acting general manager, Charles Shava, said that the deduction of pension contributions from civil servants’ US dollar salary component will continue over the next two months.
This deduction, which was implemented retroactively from January 2024, began in June under the direction of the Public Service Commission.
Speaking during a session of the IPEC/NSSA Journalists Mentorship Programme for 2024 last week, Shava said (via <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/business/article/200029101/backdated-pension-deductions-in-civil-servants-us-salaries-to-continue">NewsDay</a>):
<blockquote>
The law says contributions to NSSA will be based on the currency of income so if an organisation is paying its employees in US dollars their contribution to NSSA will be in US dollars. If it is paying in ZWG, their contributions will be in ZWG.
The particular issue of civil servants emanated from the fact that with effect from January this year, the US$300 was converted to a salary and by that operation their contribution to NSSA, because it became salary, had to be contributed to US$.
So, as NSSA, we wrote to the Public Service Commission informing them of the need to align with the SI [statutory instrument] which was passed by the government which the Public Service ministry confirmed with another SI to make sure that those deductions are done properly in US$ as per the law.
</blockquote>
The PSC opted to spread out the pension contribution deductions over a two-month period to minimize the financial impact on civil servants, as the deductions were applied retroactively from January 2024. Said Shava:
<blockquote>
That is an issue between the Public Service Commission and employees in government. So, as NSSA, we really don’t have anything that we could do or not do except just to enforce the law by making sure that contributions from the public service are done in the correct currency as per the law.
This is from January 2024. This does not affect the private sector. I think their systems are working well. Those that are paying in ZWG are paying and those who are paying in ZWG are paying so we don’t have problems with the private sector. This is only for the public service.
</blockquote>
In June, civil servants, such as teachers took home net salaries of about US$270 down from US$320 following the deductions.
Trade unions representing public service workers condemned the move by the Government to deduct their USD salaries for their pension contributions, describing it as “fraudulent”.
Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) secretary-general Raymond Majongwe wrote to the PSC challenging the decision and said they were alarmed “by such callous unilateralism intended to further impoverish civil servants.”
NSSA has a long history of shortchanging pensioners amid allegations of corruption and poor management at the Authority.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

NSSA To Continue Backdated Pension Deductions From Civil Servants' US Dollar Salaries

The National Social Security Authority (NSSA) has reportedly started making deductions from the foreign currency component of civil servants’ salaries despite government employees already facing severe financial strain due to low wages.
Currently, civil servants, such as teachers are taking home net salaries of about US$270 down from US$320 following the move by the government to deduct pension contributions from their USD salaries.
A nurse who spoke to <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/unfortunate-and-unfair-teachers-say-as-nssa-goes-after-civil-servants-peanuts-us-salaries/">NewZimbabwe.com</a> on condition of anonymity said they suspect that NSSA has already started the deductions this June. Said the nurse:
<blockquote>
I haven’t seen my payslip yet but I was shocked to note that my usual salary was US$30 less when I visited the bank last Friday.
</blockquote>
Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) president Takavafira Zhou confirmed that the deductions will be backdated to January 2024. He said:
<blockquote>
Yes, NSSA will be deducting the US$ salaries backdated to January 2024. This is unfortunate and ill-conceived. The deductions are unlawful and a product of one-armed banditry nature of unilateralism from the government.
They are not a product of engagement with unions and therefore palpably unjust and a monument of Zimbabwean justice.
As PTUZ, we call for the respect of tenets of fair labour practice and disputation and reject impositions by the employer.
</blockquote>
Civil servants have criticised the government for making more deducting on their paltry earnings instead of restoring their salaries to the pre-October 2018 level of US$540.
PTUZ Secretary General Raymond Manjongwe, on June 5, 2024, wrote a letter to the Public Service Commission protesting the deductions. He said:
<blockquote>
We also want to reiterate that the US$ NSSA deductions are a clear fraud of the highest order. How can NSSA be allowed to unilaterally deduct civil servants’ salaries yet the same government is ignoring calls for reasonable US$ salary adjustments?
</blockquote>
NSSA has a long history of shortchanging pensioners amid allegations of corruption and poor management at the Authority.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Govt Goes After Civil Servants' Earnings, Restoration Of US$540 Salaries Now A Distant Dream

Trade unions representing public service workers have condemned the move by the Government to deduct their USD salaries for their pension contributions, reported <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200027879/civil-servants-govt-clash-over-us-deductions">NewsDay</a>.
This comes after Public Service Commission (PSC) Secretary Tsitsi Rosemary Choruma-Dozwa on 28 May wrote a circular stating that all public service workers would be required to pay their pension contributions in foreign currency, starting this year.
Civil servants earn salaries both in United States dollars and ZiG and the new directive states that government workers would use the same ratio in making their contributions.
However, unions representing government workers have described the move as “fraudulent”.
Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) secretary-general Raymond Majongwe has since written to the PSC challenging the decision to implement US dollar deductions.
Majongwe said they were alarmed “by such callous unilateralism intended to further impoverish civil servants.” He added:
<blockquote>
The US$ National Social Security Authority deductions must be commensurate with the US$ salary adjustments, and in any case, the proposed deductions and backdating are not a product of consultation with stakeholders such as unions representing the civil servants.
The US$ NSSA deductions must succeed in meaningful US$ salary adjustments which we feel are long overdue, and the PSC and government must respect its workers and desist from approaches that are tantamount to colonial master and servant relationship.
</blockquote>
Speaking to NewsDay, Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe president Obert Masaraure said:
<blockquote>
The US$ deduction is going to severely affect workers, the majority of who earn depressed salaries.
We continue to demand a US$1 260 salary for teachers so that they will have enough to cater for the basics even after paying these subscriptions.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe Teachers Association (ZIMTA) spokesperson Goodwill Taderera said:
<blockquote>
What is critical is that they have to communicate before a deduction is made. We strongly advise that in future our employer should make a communication first so that we can prepare before a deduction is made.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) vice-president Valentine Chikosi:
<blockquote>
Workers are faced with a precarious situation where their salaries are predominantly in ZiG yet their expenses are predominantly in United States dollars.
People need foreign currency to cover rent, transport, fuel, medical expenses and school fees among other statutory obligations.
Workers are left with no option but to source the much-needed US dollars from the black market risking being arrested.
</blockquote>
Chikosi said the ZIG had so far failed to improve the welfare of workers, adding that there was an urgent need to address the “peanuts” salaries earned by most workers.
Meanwhile, the NSSA acting General Manager, Charles Shava, stated USD contributions by public service workers “would go a long way in sustaining the viability of the NSSA scheme.”
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Govt Faces Backlash For Deducting Civil Servants’ USD Salaries For Pension Contributions

The government has declared that all public service workers who earn in foreign currency would be required to pay their pension contributions in the same currency, starting this year.
Civil servants earn salaries both in United States dollars and ZiG and the new directive states that government workers would use the same ratio in making their contributions.
In a circular dated 28 May 2024, PSC Secretary Tsitsi Rosemary Choruma-Dozwa stated that the USD National Social Security Authority (NSSA) contribution would be implemented following the conversion of USD COVID-19 and cushioning allowances to pensionable emoluments with effect from 1 January 2024. She wrote:
<blockquote>
Please be advised that the Treasury has concurred with implementing the provisions of Statutory Instrument (SI) 169/2021 on the public sector employees with effect from 01 January 2024, Section 8(b)(4) provides that, “Any person in Zimbabwe who earns remuneration in a currency other than that of Zimbabwe shall be required to pay his/her contributions in foreign currency and in cases where individuals earn remuneration in a combination of foreign currency and Zimbabwean Dollars, he or she shall pay contribution the same currency ratio.”
Please note that the outstanding contributions should be staggered in three months, commencing in 2024. 
</blockquote>
As reported by <a href="https://cite.org.zw/public-service-workers-to-pay-pension-in-foreign-currency/">CITE</a>, Choruma-Dozwa also wrote to the government’s Paymaster advising of the same instruction.
This came after NSSA Acting General Manager, Charles Shava wrote to the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare on 24 January 2024, requesting assistance to notify the PSC that following the conversion of the USD COVID-19 Allowance for public service employees into a pensionable salary, NSSA advised on the computation of NSSA contribution as guided by Section 8(b) of SI 169 of 2021.
The NSSA acting General Manager stated that this request “would go a long way in sustaining the viability of the NSSA scheme.”
This prompted Simon Masanga, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare, along with George Guvamatanga, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, to write to the secretary of the PSC, requesting the same order. Reads the letter in part:
<blockquote>
Following the conversion of the US$ COVID-19 and US$ cushioning allowances for Public Service employees into a pensionable salary, the NSSA has advised that the computation of NSSA contributions is guided by Section 8(b) of SI 169 of 2021.
Given this development, NSSA is requesting the commission to implement the provision of SI 169 of 2021 with effect from 1 January 2024 to enable the viability of the NSSA schemes.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, unions representing public service workers have criticised the move, saying it will further impoverish them.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Civil Servants To Pay Pension Contributions In Foreign Currency

Six Premier Service Medical Aid Society (PSMAS) managers and thirty-eight doctors were arrested for corruption in 2023, a Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) official has said.
The doctors were arrested for allegedly overdrawing money from PSMAS using wrong tariff codes to steal funds from the medical aid scheme.
At the time, the Medical and Dental PrivatePractitioners of Zimbabwe Association (MDPPZA) described the “blitz” that netted the doctors as a “witch hunt” on service providers who had stood by PSMAS when others were rejecting their cardholders.
Speaking at an inter-agency breakfast meeting hosted by Transparency International Zimbabwe (TIZ) on Wednesday ZACC commissioner Gabriel Chaibva revealed that Zimbabwe scored a low 24 out of 100 on the 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index. He said(via <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/six-psmas-managers-38-doctors-arrested-in-anti-corruption-blitz/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>):
<blockquote>
This rating is a sobering portrayal of corruption levels in the country, it is important for us to critically examine the corruption ecosystem and exert pressure on the developed world to desist from encouraging corruption in developing worlds by allowing the corrupt to stash the proceeds of corruption in their countries.
Through inter-agency collaboration, we need to retrieve all the funds and assets hidden in foreign lands.
In the past year, the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) and the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) conducted joint investigations into Premier Service Medical Aid Society (PSMAS) corruption.
This collaboration led to the arrest of six members of the executive management and 38 doctors. This case highlights the power of coordinated action in addressing corruption at all levels.
</blockquote>
Chaibva said that ZACC, in collaboration with the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA), recovered 250 vehicles imported through abuse of the Civil Servants Motor Vehicle Rebate Scheme. He said:
<blockquote>
Following a report from the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development about the rampant abuse of the scheme, ZACC and the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) jointly investigated the Civil Servants Motor Vehicle Rebate Scheme. Although the investigation is ongoing, we have already recovered over 250 vehicles.
</blockquote>
The Civil Servants Motor Vehicle Rebate Scheme was introduced by the government in 2019 as an incentive for civil servants with 10 or more years of service to import motor vehicles duty-free.
However, authorities say some civil servants were importing cars for other people for a fee.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

6 PSMAS Managers, 38 Doctors Arrested For Corruption In 2023

Teachers claim that the government is provoking a confrontation with its employees by slashing civil servants’ May salaries.
According to reports, teachers and other government workers experienced a substantial reduction in earnings this month compared to April.
As an example, individuals who received approximately ZiG2,000 in April now receive around ZiG1,600 this month, and this decrease is unrelated to deductions by medical aid providers or funeral services.
The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) issued a warning that teachers are upset about this situation and intend to take action. ARTUZ said:
<blockquote>
Civil servants are angry! The regime has slashed the already circumcised incomes of Civil Servants. They think we are now weak and demobilised. Soon they will know that they only co-opted the elites, and the base is agitated. We have instructions from the Civil Service to act! We will oblige!
</blockquote>
n Monday, 13 May, launched a week-long campaign dubbed #MyFairWage which seeks to justify teachers’ demand for US$1 260 salaries.
The union stated this week (May 13-19) that the focal point of their campaign is the request for US$180 comprehensive healthcare insurance, as part of the overall basket of a US$1,260 monthly income.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Govt Slashes Civil Servants' Salaries

The Zimbabwe Teachers Association (ZIMTA), has demanded teachers’ right to collective bargaining under the National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC).
The NJNC serves as a platform where the government and unions representing civil servants engage in negotiations with the government related to civil servants’ salaries, benefits, and working conditions.
In a statement issued this Wednesday, 08 May 2023, ZIMTA president Akuneni Maphosa said teachers are disheartened by the government’s reluctance to convene the NJNC. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
As schools open for the second term of 2024, this week, the teaching fraternity, which encompasses teachers, education directors and some lecturers has plunged deeper into the turmoil of struggling to survive with insufficient salaries, a situation which is constantly undermining the quality of education delivery, mostly in the public education system.
Dissatisfied members of the teaching fraternity are sadly trickling back to their workstations under difficult and unforeseen circumstances as the employer has failed to respond to the calls for meetings to discuss salary increases, during the month of April 2024, which should mark the first quarter negotiations of the NJNC meeting which has been the norm over the years.
ZIMTA in its representation of the various structures within the teaching fraternity has made various attempts to draw the employer to the discussion table with no success. Because of this attitude from the employer, members of the teaching fraternity believe that their Right to Collective Bargaining under the NJNC is being infringed upon. We demand to have our RIGHT restored back to us.
As civil servants in the teaching fraternity, we are deeply dissatisfied with the way the employer is failing to set up the rightful mandatory meetings for the workers to further discuss the way forward and increase levels of salaries and allowances for Teachers, this process is long overdue.
As a loyal workforce working under the Public Service Minister, we believe that we have a right to present our grievances, such as the need to have a better salary, therefore we publicly demand that the NJNC must convene as soon as possible.
Because of the current low incomes obtaining in the teaching fraternity, educators are increasingly finding it unsustainable to deliver and facilitate a conducive environment for enabling quality teaching and learning.
The achievement of the Sustainable Development Goal number 4, which the Zimbabwean Government is signatory to, will only be achieved on condition that quality public education is well funded and that teachers who are the key facilitators, are motivated and well remunerated through the releasing and payment of improved salaries.
Teachers’ morale matters, yet dissatisfaction caused by poor salaries continues to grow almost monthly as prices of goods and services rise but the salaries of educators are almost on a downward fall. This mismatch is huge.
The issue of awkward grading systems between junior and senior grades is a cause for concern amongst members of the education fraternity and we hereby make an urgent call for the employer to address it alongside the awarding of new salaries for educators.
Finally, we call on the employer to provide a meeting date for a salary review for educators as continued infringements on their right to negotiate for better salaries may have dire consequences and undesirable outcomes that affect Zimbabwe’s delivery of quality public education for all. Access to quality public education is a Right of Every Zimbabwean Citizen.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZIMTA Demands Teachers' Right To Negotiate For Salary Increments

Civil servants have accused President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government of having zero interest in fulfilling the promises it made to its workers.
Government employees have seen their earnings fall since the November 2017 military coup that initially brought Mnangagwa to power after the then-president, Robert Mugabe was forced to resign.
Civil servants currently earn about US$320, before taxes and bank charges, in addition to around ZiG2 000, per month.
Government chief negotiator in the salary negotiations Nobert Machinjike told <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200026297/eds-unfulfilled-promises-haunt-civil-servants">NewsDay</a> that the employer would continue engaging workers to improve their earnings and non-monetary benefits. He said:
<blockquote>
We have all committed to continuous engagement with the workers and I am happy that we have come up with a hardened remuneration framework for the earnings.
It is also important that we agree with the workers that our remuneration framework is also competitive in the region but we are working together to identify key issues that will see the government employees getting satisfactory earnings.
</blockquote>
However, David Dzatsunga, the Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions (ZCPSTU), formerly Civil Service Apex Council, on Monday told NewsDay that the government has failed to honour its promises. Said Dzatsunga:
<blockquote>
We have seen that there is no interest by the government in addressing our issues. We have heard that the government wants to install solar panels for civil servants at their homes in 2022 but that never happened.
There is also an issue of hierarchy, those civil servants at a lower rank have never benefited at all. Then there is this issue of housing where we think the government can provide land or a facility that can allow civil servants to have their own houses. But this also has not happened.
</blockquote>
Medical and Dental Private Practitioners Association of Zimbabwe president Johannes Marisa said:
<blockquote>
There is poor infrastructure and we implore the government to improve the conditions of health workers. Health workers do not have proper accommodation or decent means of transport; they need vehicles…
We were supposed to have gone on strike early this month because of our poor wages but we were later told by the Zimbabwe Nurses Association that the government has blocked the strike and we feel let down given the nature of our job. We think we should be getting fair salaries.
</blockquote>
Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe President Obert Masaraure said Mnangagwa’s government is worse than Rhodesia and Mugabe combined. Said Masaraure:
<blockquote>
The government of Zimbabwe under Emmerson Mnangagwa is worse than Rhodesia and Mugabe combined. The militarised government is deploying command tactics in handling labour disputes.
The Constitution in Section 65 provides for the right to a fair wage and the right to engage in job action. These rights can’t be withdrawn by some individuals who just have a five-year mandate.
</blockquote>
The Government has previously enforced a “no work, no pay” policy for civil servants who participate in demonstrations or stay-aways.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwean Civil Servants Disillusioned By Broken Promises

President Emmerson Mnangagwa stated that civil servants’ salaries will be adjusted to their satisfaction once the economy improves.
Since October 2018, civil servants have persistently advocated for the reinstatement of their salaries, initially aiming for up to US$540 for the lowest-paid worker and subsequently raising their demand to US$840.
However, during the main 2024 Independence Day celebrations at Murambinda B High School in Murambinda, Buhera District, Manicaland Province, President Mnangagwa asserted that civil servants’ salaries would align with the economy’s performance. He said:
<blockquote>
The welfare of our civil servants will continue to be reviewed in line with economic sustainability.
</blockquote>
The majority of civil servants get US$320 per month, before tax and extortionate bank charges, and part of the salary is paid in ZiG.
Mnangagwa’s remarks that the welfare of government employees would be assessed based on economic fundamentals will likely further dampen the spirit of civil servants who have been pushing for a review of their conditions of service since October 2018.
Earlier this week, the Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions’ (ZCPTSU) Secretary General David Dzatsunga was quoted by  <a href="https://tellzim.com/zig-another-currency-crisis/">TellZim News</a>, as saying civil servants prefer the USD as acceptance of the ZiG would be based on its performance.
The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) launched ZiG on 05 April to stabilise the volatile exchange rate.
While businesses rushed to reconfigure their system to adapt to the ZiG, one of the biggest concerns is whether it will create a parallel currency market — one of the biggest threats to exchange rate stability.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Civil Servants' Salary Review Hinges On Economic Performance - Mnangagwa

Civil servants have begun receiving their salaries in the new ZiG currency, yet concerns persist regarding its market performance and value stability.
Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Mthuli Ncube, said civil servant salaries for April will be paid on time. He said electronic ZiG payments will be deposited into accounts on scheduled paydays.
Civil servants who spoke to <a href="https://cite.org.zw/civil-servants-receive-zig-salaries-but-concerns-linger/">CITE</a> expressed scepticism over the new currency, saying it would also end up depreciating like the previous ZWL currency. A teacher who identified himself as Witness Moyo, said:
<blockquote>
Firstly, hard cash in ZiG will not be available until the end of April, that is what the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe said, now what kind of currency is that when it is unveiled, you are told there is no hard cash?
I see no difference from bearer cheques and bond notes. The only difference is the name.
We’ll just see it depreciating day in and day out. Already some outlets that belong to well-known individuals are using a rate of US$1 to ZiG18 yet they tell people they are using the bank rate.
This is the same way that happened to its predecessor ZWL notes. Another bad omen is why can’t ZiG purchase fuel.
</blockquote>
Emmanuel Sibanda said that citizens would suffer because “businesses don’t want ZiG” as some goods such as fuel, are sold exclusively in foreign currency. He said:
<blockquote>
Our lives will be controlled by the government as we will now have to buy at government-friendly shops that accept the ZiG.
We will not be in control of our expenditure because the value of the ZiG is determined by external factors that can ultimately lead to hyperinflation. The usual story is there is the government rate and business rate.
</blockquote>
Minister Ncube said the Treasury will build a mechanism in anticipation of external shocks since the ZiG currency is backed by hard assets such as gold. He said:
<blockquote>
What is happening is that our exchange rate is being driven, not just by the price of hard assets like gold but also, we take into account what we call effective exchange rate which is the inflation differentials between our country and other countries.
That inflation differential is also known as the purchasing power parity. What happens is that when there is a shock, those shocks usually show up in inflation shocks.
So, by taking into account those inflation differentials, we can take into account part of the shocks.
</blockquote>
The Government introduced the gold-backed currency earlier this month to stabilise the economy and prevent currency devaluation like its predecessors.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Civil Servants Receive ZiG Salaries, Amid Concerns Over Value Stability

Civil servants say they have no choice but to accept the newly-introduced Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency but said the government needs to build confidence amongst the citizens, especially on how the new currency is going to impact the payment of government services.
In an interview with <a href="https://tellzim.com/zig-another-currency-crisis/">TellZim News</a>, Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions’ (ZCPTSU) Secretary General David Dzatsunga said that they expect the government to educate them on its implications on taxes, duty, fuel, education, and health care among other critical issues. Said Dzatsunga:
<blockquote>
From the ZCPTSU perspective, the initiative to carry out currency reform was vitally necessary given the free fall of the ZWL. As for the ZiG, the jury is still out as to how it is going to impact the welfare of workers.
Having been introduced without much prior consultation, the authorities have to educate us on its implications on taxes, duty, fuel, education, and health care among others.
While we have no choice but to embrace it and strive to make it a success as workers and citizens alike, there is still a ton of confidence-building to be done so that citizens can truly believe we have found a panacea to our perennial currency problem.
</blockquote>
Dzatsunga also said civil servants prefer the USD as acceptance of the ZiG would be based on its performance. He said:
<blockquote>
As long as we have a basket of currencies workers still prefer the strongest of them. Much will depend on the performance of the ZiG and on whether we will not have to go to the parallel market to get value.
</blockquote>
Earlier this month, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) launched ZiG to stabilise the volatile exchange rate.
While businesses rushed to reconfigure their system to adapt to the ZiG, one of the biggest concerns is whether it will create a parallel currency market — one of the biggest threats to exchange rate stability.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Civil Servants Have No Choice But To Embrace ZiG - Dzatsunga

The Government has not yet paid the civil servants who conducted the mobile registration mop-up exercise last year in preparation for the August 2023 harmonised elections.
At the time, the Ministry of Finance said it had budgeted US$16 million for the exercise.
Participants in the exercise were entitled to a daily payment of US$120 from March to April 2023.
However, according to documents seen by <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/thestandard/news/article/200025639/govt-fails-to-pay-civil-servants-for-blitz">The Standard</a>, the civil servants are yet to receive a single cent for their services. Each individual is owed up to US$3 600 by the government
Finance Ministry secretary George Guvamatanga wrote to Home Affairs Secretary Raphael Faranisi on February 28, 2024, saying the allowances would be paid in batches because of financial constraints. The letter reads in part:
<blockquote>
Given the resource constraints against competing demands related to budgeted government programmes and projects, Treasury commits to settle the outstanding amount in three batches commencing March 2024.
In order to restore value lost due to depreciation, payment of allowances will be made in foreign currency.
</blockquote>
In a recent interview with The Standard, Faranisi said that some individuals have already received their payments, while those awaiting their dues should contact the Registrar General’s office.
An unnamed officer from the registrar’s office told The Standard that he incurred additional expenses while pursuing the outstanding dues. He said:
<blockquote>
It’s now a year after we had been promised and nothing is materialising. I make phone calls time and again and sometimes I travel to the Home Affairs Ministry following up on that money because I spent my savings to participate in that exercise.
</blockquote>
In Zimbabwe, the issue of delayed payments for civil servants has been a longstanding concern. Civil servants who provide essential services to the Government face the frustration of not receiving their payments on time.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Govt Fails To Pay Civil Servants For Voter Registration Blitz

Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister, Mthuli Ncube, has said civil servants will get their salaries on time this month, April 2024, despite the recent introduction of a new currency, ZiG, which replaced the Zimbabwe dollar.
During a question and answer session in the National Assembly on Wednesday, the MP for Emakhandeni-Luveve, Discent Bajila (CCC), sought clarification from Minister Ncube regarding the currency in which civil servants would be paid this month since the central bank announced that ZiG notes and coins will be introduced on 30 April.
In response, Ncube said the local currency component of civil servants’ salaries will be paid electronically in ZiG, but they will not be able to withdraw the physical cash until the end of the month. Said Ncube, as quoted by <a href="https://hararelive.com/2024/04/11/mthuli-ncube-discusses-civil-servants-salaries-post-zig-currency-launch/">HarareLive</a>:
<blockquote>
He is under the impression that ZiG will only begin to work at the end of the month, the 30th of April and yet civil servants will start receiving salaries from the middle of the month, about the 18th of April.
I’m happy to say that his understanding is incorrect. ZiG is already effective and civil servants will be able to receive their salaries on time on the 18th of April.
What the Reserve Bank mentioned was the issue of the availability of hard cash being available slightly later at least by the 30th of April that’s the issue.
But in terms of electronic payments into their accounts, civil servants will be able to receive these by the 18th of April. Anytime because ZiG is already operational.
</blockquote>
Some economists have described the move by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) to announce the introduction of a new currency without making the notes and coins readily available as foolish.
This has presented traders, service providers and consumers with new challenges as Zim dollar notes are now being rejected.
This has made it difficult to buy and sell products that cost less than US$1, which is now the lowest denomination in most parts of the country.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZiG Launch Won't Disrupt Payment Of Civil Servants' Salaries - Mthuli

Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare Minister July Moyo said that civil servants’ conditions of service now align with those of their private sector counterparts.
This comes after the government recently increased public sector workers’ US dollar salaries and linked the Zimbabwe dollar component to the prevailing interbank rate.
Minister Moyo said this in the National Assembly on Wednesday while responding to questions from backbenchers during the Question and Answer session. He said (<a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/govt-salaries-match-private-sector/">via The Herald</a>):
<blockquote>
This is a new agreement to ensure that the Zimbabwe dollar component is paid using the interbank rate.  This is a new social protection measure that has been agreed and it is a reasonable way of protecting workers.
I can assure you that I approve all the 48 National Employment Councils’ collective bargaining agreements, (and) when I look at what is happening in the private sector, and what they are paying compared with the public sector, it is almost equal.
</blockquote>
Civil servants’ representatives and Government officials held a National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC) meeting on Thursday last week.
During the negotiations, the Government offered to raise civil servants’ salaries to US$320, up from US$300, and index the Zimbabwe dollar component to the prevailing official exchange rate.
Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions president Cecilia Alexander expressed satisfaction with the new salary offer.
However, teacher unions lambasted civil servants’ negotiators for accepting what they deem a “paltry offer” which they said falls short of addressing their financial hardships.
Amalgamated Rural Teachers of Zimbabwe president Obert Masaraure singled out Alexander (pictured) for criticism. He said:
<blockquote>
What is more surprising is that those people who call themselves negotiators as led by one Cecilia Alexander will try to play Public Relations for the employer, but we know that she is an imposter; she does not have a mandate from anyone to be a negotiator at the table…
Alexander is now a lifetime negotiator for civil servants and always brings back rotten deals and has taken into her armpits a bunch of greedy individuals who want to benefit from lying that they represent us.
</blockquote>
Masaraure said that the Federation of Zimbabwe Educators Unions had resolved to reject the paltry increment and was demanding US$1 260 as the minimum salary for a teacher.
Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) secretary-general Raymond Majongwe concurred with Masaraure, adding that cases of suicides, drug abuse, sudden deaths, stress and divorces have tremendously increased among teachers as a result.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Govt Salaries Match Private Sector  - July Moyo

Reports have emerged suggesting that ZANU PF, through its government workers affiliates, including the Teachers for Economic Development (ED) and Nurses for ED, may be involved in the hijacking of civil service recruitment processes.
As reported by <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200024553/zanu-pf-hijacks-govt-recruitment">NewsDay</a>, ZANU PF affiliates have set up centres in various provinces. These centres shortlist government job seekers who are also party members.
The shortlisted members’ names are then taken to the Public Service Commission (PSC). Government officials are allegedly pressured to prioritize these ZANU PF-affiliated candidates for employment or training.
The recruitment process is overseen by ZANU PF district and provincial party chairpersons, as well as party legislators and affiliate leaders.
Jobseekers are required to provide evidence of their links to ZANU PF, such as party membership cards or participation in party events.
For instance, in Chikomba District, ZANU PF Chikomba West legislator and ICT minister Tatenda Mavetera is leading the recruitment efforts.
A communiqué sent to party members seen by NewsDay reads:
<blockquote>
Chikomba West Constituency Teachers for Economic Development Update: All teachers who completed their course not employed go and register to MP’s [member of Parliament] office next to N Richards Chivhu.
MP [Tatenda] Mavetera is a true leader who leads by example. That’s finalisation of second phase. Ngatifonerei vanhu vane madetails ari pazasi (Let’s contact the people with details below). #Famba Zanu PF Famba #Famba Mavetera Famba (Forward Zanu PF, Forward Mavetera).
</blockquote>
However, PSC secretary, Tsitsi Choruma, professed ignorance on the matter, saying “I have never seen the ZANU PF recommendation letters”.
ZANU PF director of information, Farai Marapira told NewsDay that the recruitment programme did not originate from the party. He said:
<blockquote>
As the economy is starting to recover and expanding, more jobs are opening up and we want these jobs to be taken up by Zimbabweans, so we conscientise the nation on the jobs that are coming up so that people fill up these spaces.
The affiliates, in their autonomy have the right to behave as they do, but this is not a ZANU programme and ZANU PF does not look for jobs for people, but if it is the wish of the affiliates to do so, I believe it is within their mandate because I believe they are independent juristic independent institutions. But we encourage Zimbabweans to take up the new jobs as our economy is expanding.
</blockquote>
ZANU PF activists have, at times, been associated with incidents of misconduct, such as hijacking government initiatives like food aid distribution and misappropriating presidential agricultural inputs.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZANU PF Accused Of Hijacking Civil Service Recruitment

The Progressive Teacher’s Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the meagre 6.66% salary increment proposed by the Government. According to PTUZ, this increase falls far short of teachers’ expectations.
In a recent move, the Government raised civil servants’ taxable salary from US$300 to US$320, a figure that teachers deem inadequate.
PTUZ secretary-general, Raymond Majongwe, highlighted that the Government is ignoring the harsh economic realities faced by teachers. Majongwe emphasized:
<blockquote>
We want to make it clear that the above figures are meaningless and far from our expectations. Government had turned a blind eye to the realities on the ground. Teachers are suffering because of poor salaries.
As if that is enough, the government introduced and continues to put punitive taxes which further erode the meagre salaries of teachers, yet the government is offering pathetic salary adjustments.
As PTUZ, we want to send a clear message to the government and President Emmerson Mnangagwa that the second republic is yet to fulfil its promises to workers in general and teachers in particular.
The Leaving No One Behind mantra seems to refer to others, not workers/teachers because they were left behind since October 2018 and continue to trail since then.
</blockquote>
Majongwe also revealed that teachers are receiving notifications from funeral assurance service providers, indicating that their salaries in local currency are no longer sufficient to cover necessary deductions.
In a recent letter dated March 14, the Zimbabwe Teachers Association (ZIMTA) expressed their dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC) meeting.
According to Goodwill Taderera, the national secretary-general of ZIMTA, the government representatives failed to listen to the unions’ views during this crucial meeting.
He said the NJNC meeting was hastily convened, leaving no room for in-depth discussions or the exploration of different positions.
Workers’ views were not adequately accommodated, resulting in what Taderera describes as “paltry awards.”
Teachers across Zimbabwe have been demanding improved working conditions. Specifically, they want their salaries to be restored to pre-October 2018 levels, which stood at US$540 for the least-paid employee.
Despite these demands, the government maintains that it lacks the necessary resources to meet the requested amounts. Instead, they plan to implement gradual salary adjustments.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwean Teachers Reject US$20 Salary Increment, Demand Fair Salaries

Civil servants have expressed frustration over the lack of progress in negotiations with the Government for a salary review amid the rise in the cost of living.
Workers’ earnings have been eroded by the depreciation of the local currency against the United States dollar, and an increase in the cost of goods and services in foreign currency.
In a recent statement, the Zimbabwe Congress of Public Sector Trade Unions (ZCPSTU) accused the Government of reneging on its pledge to convene an NJNC meeting every quarter. Said ZCPSTU:
<blockquote>
As government workers, we have borne the brunt of the current economic downturn. We have watched the value of our wages getting eroded daily to the extent that we are now chronically incapacitated.
Our lives and welfare have become a nightmare, and the delay in holding an NJNC [National Joint Negotiating Council] three months into the first quarter clearly shows the employer’s lack of concern towards our plight much against the standard practice of quarterly negotiations.
</blockquote>
The NJNC serves as a platform where the government and unions representing civil servants engage in negotiations related to civil servants’ salaries, benefits, and working conditions.
Civil servants earn less than US$300 per month in addition to a local currency salary component which is less than US$100.
ZCPSTU president Goodwill Taderera wrote to the Minister of Public Service and Social Welfare, July Moyo urging him to urgently convene the NJNC. Said Taderera:
<blockquote>
The noble calling of public service should neither be a silent promise of hardship nor a path to poverty.
Yet, many civil service workers are now submerged in financial distress, finding it challenging to uphold their roles and provide for their families.
A motivated civil service is the backbone of efficient and effective public administration. Their welfare is directly correlated with the welfare of the nation.
</blockquote>
In the private sector, there is also discontent among workers over poor salaries, with some having gone for several months without being paid.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Civil Servants "Now Chronically Incapacitated"

The Government has set aside US$16 million to pay outstanding allowances to civil servants who were hired for a mop-up mobile registration exercise ahead of the August 2023 general elections.
The civil servants were worried that the Government might fail to pay their allowances or that the money would be worthless when they finally received it due to hyperinflation.
In a memo seen by <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200023977/civil-servants-to-receive-outstanding-allowances">NewsDay</a>, dated 27 February 2024, Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Ministry permanent secretary George Guvamatanga said the outstanding payments will cleared in three batches between March and May 2024.
The memo is titled: “Request for payment of US$16 002 000 to clear outstanding mop-up mobile registration exercise allowances for Civil Registration Department.”
Guvamatanga said the civil servants will receive the allowances in foreign currency. He said:
<blockquote>
The exercise did not receive cash support during the 2023 financial budget. Our letter dated October 23, 2023, also refers.
Given the resource constraints against competing demands related to government programmes and projects, the Treasury commits to settle the outstanding amount in three batches commencing in March 2024.
To restore value lost due to depreciation, payment of allowances will be made in foreign currency.
Accordingly, Treasury will release the resources for payment of outstanding allowances over three months.
</blockquote>
Guvamatanga copied the letter to Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Mthuli Ncube, his deputy David Mnangagwa, chief secretary to the President and Cabinet Martin Rushwaya.
Other senior officials who are copied on the letter include Edwin Zvandasara, the accountant-general, Percy Takavarasha, chief director for expenditure management and one A Mukurazhizha who is director of recurrent expenditure management.
The Government is notorious for delaying the release of funds for the payment of allowances to civil servants who take part in national programmes.
In the past, civil servants who have been engaged during censuses, election-related activities, and even teachers who mark Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) examinations have complained of being paid at least four months after the exercise.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Civil Servants Set To Receive Election-related Outstanding Allowances

Civil servants have said funeral policies and medical aid contributions are taking up a large portion of their earnings, leaving them with little money for essential needs like food, rent, school fees, and transportation. Service providers for medical aid and funeral policies have been increasing their prices to protect themselves from losses caused by inflation and the rapid depreciation of the Zimbabwe dollar.
Civil servants, who recently asked the government to reconsider taxes on their US dollar salary component, are now facing a dire situation. Their COVID-19 allowances were converted into taxable earnings, but the heavy taxation has rendered the money meaningless.
In interviews with <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200023181/were-starving-govt-workers-cry">NewsDay</a>, civil servants expressed frustration with their employer for failing to alleviate the rising cost of living. The Chairperson of the Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions, David Dzatsunga, said that deductions, especially for insurance and debts, are eating into the Zimbabwe dollar component of their salaries. Some workers are receiving figures that are less than their actual salaries after deductions. Dzatsunga was quoted as saying:
<blockquote>
The issue is that the RTGS component of our salaries is now getting eaten up by deductions, especially from insurance and debts.
All that is taking up a lot of our RTGS component to the extent that workers are getting figures which are actually minus their salaries after the deductions.
The situation as it stands is very critical and it requires that the employer really moves very quickly to meet up and resolve the situation.
</blockquote>
Teachers have accused funeral policy and medical aid companies of deducting substantial amounts from their already meagre wages without consulting them. Some members received notifications of deductions as high as ZWL$500,000 and above, while their Zimbabwe dollar component does not exceed ZWL$900,000. This leaves them with very little money.
Progressive Teachers Union Zimbabwe’s president, Takafira Zhou, highlighted that their members’ earnings are inadequate due to heavy taxation. He called for a basic salary of US$540, housing and transport allowances, and education support. He said:
<blockquote>
The current basic salary of US$300 is grossly inadequate considering that it is now taxed and suffers heavy deductions from medical aid and other deductions from teachers as responsible parents.
The best form of investment is in the education of pupils and those entrusted with the nurturing of the youths or pupils must be motivated so that they engineer a skill’s revolution that can foster development, innovation and dynamism so crucial for sustainable development of Zimbabwe.
</blockquote>
Civil servants are urging the government to address their salaries and living conditions urgently. They emphasize the importance of investing in education and view the underpayment of teachers as a detriment to the country’s future development.
The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe’s president, Obert Masaraure, called on the government to treat the issue with urgency and encouraged civil servants to fight for their rights and dignity.
Zimbabwe is currently facing hyperinflation, making the cost of living unaffordable for many. Calls for dollarisation have grown, but the government has resisted, instead announcing plans to introduce a gold-backed currency.
In recent years, government employees regularly went on strike to push the government to restore their pre-October 2018 salaries. However, the government says it doesn’t have the financial capacity to pay them at least US$540. Workers believe that the government does have the means but chooses to prioritise other matters, such as buying expensive cars for traditional leaders, to secure their loyalty, particularly during elections. The government justifies these car purchases for chiefs and Members of Parliament (MPs) as part of their employment conditions.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Government Workers Struggle As Funeral Policies And Medical Aid Consume Earnings

Civil servants have pleaded with the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, July Moyo to convene an urgent National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC) meeting to address their demands for better salaries.
The NJNC is a platform that brings together government representatives and public sector unions aimed at addressing civil servants’ concerns.
In a letter addressed to Moyo, Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions (ZCPSTU) acting president Goodwill Taderera said the continuous erosion of civil servants’ salaries has driven them deeper into poverty. He said:
<blockquote>
The situation is no longer sustainable, as many of these devoted public servants are struggling to meet even the most basic of needs due to the erosion of their salary values in the face of continuous economic pressures.
The noble calling of public service should neither be a silent promise of hardship nor a path to poverty, yet many civil service workers are now submerged in financial distress, finding it challenging to uphold their roles and provide for their families.
A motivated civil service is the backbone of efficient and effective public administration. Their welfare is directly correlated with the welfare of the nation.
</blockquote>
Over the past few years, civil servants have been demanding at least US$800 for the lowest-paid employee up from US$540 they used to earn pre-2018 when the economy was still dollarised.
Civil servants earn about US$250 in hard currency and less than US$100 in worthless RTGS currency.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

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