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The National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC) will meet to review civil servants’ conditions before the end of March, a cabinet minister has said.
In an interview with State media in Zvishavane on Sunday, the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Paul Mavima said the government is committed to reviewing civil servants’ conditions of service. Mavima said:
<blockquote>
The National Joint Negotiating Council meeting to review the civil servant’s conditions of service will be held this quarter as the Government reaffirms its commitment to review their remuneration package.
The NJNC will meet and iron out pressing issues. We are letting everyone know that we are going to have that meeting for reviews but people have to know that whatever comes out of there will depend on what is available to the nation.
</blockquote>
He urged civil servants to be moderate in their demands.
Mavima thanked civil servants, particularly teachers, for not going on strike when schools reopened last week, saying the government understands their stance on salaries. He said:
<blockquote>
The first school term started very smoothly. Even though civil servants are saying there should be a review of their salaries, it is not an antagonistic stance that they are taking and it is understandable.
But remember in 2022, President Mnangagwa did a lot for civil servants culminating in an additional US$200 that was given to every civil servant.
At the moment we are happy with civil servants, with no strikes but they are just urging the Government to review their conditions of service.
</blockquote>
In 2022, the government awarded civil servants a 20 percent salary increment across the board backdated to 1 January.
But civil servants have consistently demanded that the government restores their pre-October 2018 salaries of US$540. | <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/njnc-to-review-civil-servants-conditions/">Chronicle</a>

Pindula News

NJNC To Review Civil Servant’s Conditions Of Service - Mavima

Unions representing teachers have demanded the scrapping of the Government Employees Mutual Savings Fund (GEMS), arguing it is not benefiting their members.
<a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/govt-launches-savings-facility-for-civil-servants/">GEMS was set up by Cabinet</a> in March 2020 with the government saying it would provide $100 million in seed capital to improve the welfare of civil servants.
Under GEMS, civil servants are subjected to 2.5% monthly wage deductions to support the loan scheme.
But Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) president Obert Masaraure said the government is still making the deductions from teachers who opted out of GEMS. Masaraure said:
<blockquote>
The scheme was unilaterally imposed on workers. Teachers opted out but were surprised to realise that deductions continued and are still being done.
Those who have sought loans from GEMS have been denied because they are said to be earning too little to qualify. So they qualify to contribute but don’t qualify to access the loans.
We are aware that fat cats in the civil service are benefitting from the contributions of the underpaid junior civil servants.
We have clear instructions from teachers to call for the scrapping of the fraud called GEMS.
We will do everything in our power to make sure that teachers will not suffer this prejudice in 2023.
</blockquote>
Educators Unions of Zimbabwe (EUZ) secretary-general Tapedza Zhou said:
<blockquote>
This level of abuse at the hands of an arrogant employer is unparalleled and should never be seen again.
Once the scheme has been dissolved, we demand both an audit and an apology for the abuse of workers’ funds.
</blockquote>
Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) president Takavafira Zhou said:
<blockquote>
It’s a deduction that does not help workers and no one has benefitted from the so-called loan fund. It is, therefore, a liability to employees.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe Teachers Association (ZIMTA) general secretary Goodwill Taderera said:
<blockquote>
We have always said nothing for us, without and we think there has to be a way of getting back to the drawing board, because the board currently running that scheme does not include civil servants. As civil servants, we must be involved.
</blockquote>
The government <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/govt-avails-100-million-seed-capital-for-gems/">said that GEMS is a scheme that seeks to create wealth during and after the termination of civil servants’ employment</a>. | <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200005711/gems-fund-a-ponzi-scheme-civil-servants">NewsDay</a>

Teacher Unions Demand Scrapping Of GEMS

The Residents Association Coalition for Electoral Reforms (RACER) says a partisan civil service could compromise the credibility of next year’s general elections.
RACER, a coalition of 42 rural and urban residents associations, expressed concern over the country’s civil servants’ alleged declaration of allegiance to ZANU PF and the party’s presidential candidate President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Addressing journalists in Harare on Tuesday, RACER spokesperson Marvelous Khumalo urged civil servants to remain apolitical. <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200004404/civil-servants-compromising-credibility-of-2023-polls">Said Khumalo:</a>
<blockquote>
We call upon members of the civil service to desist from pushing partisan political agendas which is in clear violation of the Constitution, which calls for civil servants not to act in a partisan manner and to further the interests of political parties.
Civil servants have always worked as polling officers before, and that cannot be ruled out for the 2023 polls.
But how are they going to be fair when they have already shown that they are for ED who is also going to be a candidate in the 2023 polls?
</blockquote>
Khumalo also implored the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to be impartial when dealing with cases of political violence.
Political activists have accused the police of being partisan saying the police are quick to arrest opposition supporters for politically motivated violence while turning a blind eye to ZANU PF members who cause a reign of terror in various parts of the country.
In June, CCC vice chairman Job “Wiwa” Sikhala was arrested and denied bail for allegedly inciting violence in Nyatsime<a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/owen-ncube-threatens-worse-than-2008-political-violence-against-sell-outs/"> but a senior ZANU PF official, Owen “Muda” Ncube allegedly threatened to unleash an orgy of violence “worse than 2008” against opposition members</a> ahead of the 2023 general elections but has not been arrested.

"A Partisan Civil Service Compromising Credibility Of 2023 Elections"

Over the past several years, Zimbabweans have borrowed heavily. For various reasons, some of which are beyond the scope of this article.
The borrowing can be at properly registered Microfinance institutions (MFIs), or it can be at loan sharks (Chimbadzo).
Civil servants, for example, borrow from registered MFIs who then get their installments paid via the government’s Salary Service Bureau (SSB). Employed individuals who are not in civil service sometimes have their companies arrange for them to get loans from MFIs. Individuals who are not formally employed usually end up going to loan sharks.
This article aims to help those readers who are civil servants to manage their debt so that the quality of their lives does not decline because of such debt.
<h2>1. Paying in cash is better than borrowing in most cases</h2>
The cost of borrowing is the interest charged on that money. If you borrow $100 and you’re charged 10% interest per month, you’re essentially buying that $100 for an extra $10 a month that you will need to pay.
It is better therefore to always ask yourself if you cannot save the $100 and pay cash for it in the future instead. When you choose to save, then the cost of the $100 is the time it takes to get it.
Basically, therefore, it’s a time tradeoff.
<h2>2. If you can avoid it, don’t borrow to spend on things that don’t help you generate money</h2>
Sometimes you can’t avoid it, but as much as possible, only borrow to use on a project that generates money. This ensures that the profit from that project helps pay for the borrowed money and the interest.
This is better than getting a loan for something that doesn’t generate any money. Such things as food, birthday parties, new clothes when you already have decent ones, a new fancy phone when you already have a decent one etc…
<h2>3. Check closely what you’re spending your money on</h2>
When you start thinking about borrowing, it helps to check what you generally spend your money on each month. You might find that there are things that you’re spending on that you can maybe stop, and save that money.
For example, sometimes we spend more than we need to on things like rentals in a house that we can’t afford, sending children to a school that’s too expensive for us, spending too much on entertainment (alcohol, parties, needlessly traveling to relatives and friends).
It might help to move to a house or room with lower monthly rent. It might make sense to send your children to a cheaper school that’s nearer your home. Maybe the birthday party can be a smaller one. Instead of buying at Jet, try kumabhero where you can get almost new stuff at giveaway prices. Avoid impulse buying. Start creating a budget within what you earn and stick to it.
Sometimes we also spend too much on things because we’re not taking care of them. Observe how you take care of your things (clothes, car, phone, wheelbarrow, broom etc…) and try to take better care of these things so you don’t spend so much on repairs.
<h2>4. When you’re about to borrow, ask about the interest rate</h2>
When a microfinance company offers a loan or a company offers a product on credit, ask about their interest and compare to the rates offered by other Microfinance companies.
In Zimbabwe, Microfinance loans will range in interest from about 9% to sometimes even over 20% per month. While these rates might sound ridiculous, they are largely caused by the cost of money in the country and also the cost of transacting. Below 9% the cost of the business to a microfinance company can be unsustainable.
It’s always prudent to shop around and ask several providers, compare and get the loan that works out cheaper to get.
<h2>5. Avoid a longer term period for the loan</h2>
If you have the option to pay back a loan in 3, 6, or 12 months, try as much as possible to choose the fewest months you can manage. This just means less interest in the end.
You can even ask the bank or microfinance company if you can choose the number of months yourself. You can for example ask them if you can pay back in 4 or 5 months instead of the proposed 6 months.
<h2>6. Pay back the loan as early as possible</h2>
As a civil servant, sometimes you get money outside your salary. Use that money to pay off your debt earlier. All you need to do is to approach the bank or Microfinance company that extended the loan. This will reduce the interest quite significantly. 
If your loan is supposed to be paid back in 6 months – try to pay it all back in 4 months if you get the opportunity to do so.
<h2>7. Start creating your personal emergency fund</h2>
People usually borrow because they are in a crisis. In addition to saving for things we want to buy, you also need to save for emergencies. It’s hard to say how much such a fund should be because it differs from person to person, but a good rule of thumb is that you should have at least as much of your monthly salary stashed away as an emergency fund.
Do you have tips to share with others? please use the comments section below.

TIPS: Managing Credit And Money In Zimbabwe

South Africa’s public sector workers have declared Tuesday a National Day of Action and marched to the National Treasury in Pretoria and in the country’s other eight provinces, demanding a double-digit wage increase.
The seven-day ultimatum given to the government by the public sector has officially lapsed, according to <a href="https://www.enca.com/news/public-sector-embarks-nationwide-strike">eNCA News</a>.
This follows a deadlock in wage negotiations between trade unions and the state.
The government is offering a 3 per cent pay hike, but the public sector unions are demanding 10 per cent.
Tuesday’s march follows the 10 November one organised by the Public Servants Association of South Africa (PSA) – which represents 245 000 civil servants. Union officials said the march failed to spur the government into action. 
The largest trade union federation in the country, COSATU, and other federations told a news conference on 17 November 2022 that they would continue to protest until the government improves its 3% salary increase offer, according to <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/safrican-civil-servants-plan-protests-pressure-govt-over-wages-2022-11-17/">Reuters</a>.
Wage negotiations between unions and the government collapsed in early October, with the government subsequently saying it would unilaterally implement the 3% increase outlined in October’s mid-term budget.
If the marches mushroom into a full-blown public sector strike it would be the first major one since 2010, potentially disrupting critical government services in places like hospitals and border posts.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

South Africa: Civil Servants Strike Demanding Double-digit Wage Increase

Recently, Pindula in partnership with Bridgevest Capital introduced a credit facility for Civil Servants. 
This enables SSB Civil Servants to buy Itel smartphones phones, TVs, and Bluetooth speakers on credit.
Here are the mobile phones and terms available for credit:
<h2>Itel A14 Plus</h2>
Memory: 16GB Storage, 512MB RAM
Battery: 2500mAh
Connectivity: 3G
Screen size: 4.0 inches
3 months installments: $25
6 months installments: $16
12 months installments: $11
Apply: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/credit/confirmation/itel-a14-plus-22">https://zero.pindula.co.zw/credit/confirmation/itel-a14-plus-22</a>
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 
<h2>Itel A33 Plus</h2>
Memory: 16GB Storage, 1GB RAM
Battery: 2500mAh
Connectivity: 3G
Screen size: 5.0 inches
3 months installments: $30
6 months installments: $19
12 months installments: $14
Apply: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/credit/confirmation/itel-a33-plus-22">https://zero.pindula.co.zw/credit/confirmation/itel-a33-plus-22</a>
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<h2>Itel A25 Pro</h2>
Memory: 32GB Storage, 2GB RAM
Battery: 3020mAh
Connectivity: 4G
Screen size: 5.0
3 months installments: $32
6 months installments: $21
12 months installments: $15
Apply: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/credit/confirmation/itel-a25-pro-22">https://zero.pindula.co.zw/credit/confirmation/itel-a25-pro-22</a>
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<h2>Itel KidPad 1 (tablet for very young kids)</h2>
Memory: 32GB Storage, 1GB RAM
Battery: 4000mAh
Connectivity: 3G
Screen size: 7 inches
3 months installments: $39
6 months installments: $25
12 months installments: $18
Apply: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/credit/confirmation/itel-kidpad-1-22">https://zero.pindula.co.zw/credit/confirmation/itel-kidpad-1-22</a>
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<h2>Itel P17 Pro 4G</h2>
Memory: 32GB Storage, 2GB RAM
Battery: 4000mAh
Connectivity: 4G
Screen size: 5.5 inches
3 months installments: $41
6 months installments: $26
12 months installments: $19
Apply: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/credit/confirmation/itel-p17-pro-4g">https://zero.pindula.co.zw/credit/confirmation/itel-p17-pro-4g</a>
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<h2>Itel A58 Pro</h2>
Memory: 32GB Storage, 2GB RAM
Battery: 4000mAh
Connectivity: 3G
Screen size: 6.6 inches
3 months installments: $44
6 months installments: $28
12 months installments: $20
Apply: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/credit/confirmation/itel-a58-pro">https://zero.pindula.co.zw/credit/confirmation/itel-a58-pro</a>
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<h2>Itel PrimeTab tablet</h2>
Memory: 32GB Storage, 1GB RAM
Battery: 4000mAh
Connectivity: 3G
Screen size: 7 inches
3 months installments: $42
6 months installments: $27
12 months installments: $19
Apply: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/credit/confirmation/itel-primetab-1-32gb-22">https://zero.pindula.co.zw/credit/confirmation/itel-primetab-1-32gb-22</a>
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<h2>Itel P38 </h2>
Memory: 32GB Storage, 2GB RAM
Battery: 5000mAh
Connectivity: 3G
Screen size: 6.6 inches
3 months installments: $45
6 months installments: $29
12 months installments: $21
Apply: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/credit/confirmation/itel-p38">https://zero.pindula.co.zw/credit/confirmation/itel-p38</a>
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<h2>Itel P38 Pro</h2>
Memory: 64GB Storage, 1GB RAM
Battery: 6000mAh
Connectivity: 4G
Screen size: 6.6 inches
3 months installments: $55
6 months installments: $35
12 months installments: $25
Apply: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/credit/confirmation/itel-p38-pro">https://zero.pindula.co.zw/credit/confirmation/itel-p38-pro</a>
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<h2>Itel S18</h2>
Memory: 64GB Storage, 2GB RAM
Battery: 5000mAh
Connectivity: 4G
Screen size: 6.6 inches
3 months installments: $44
6 months installments: $28
12 months installments: $20
Apply: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/credit/confirmation/itel-s18">https://zero.pindula.co.zw/credit/confirmation/itel-s18</a>
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<h2>Itel S18 Pro</h2>
Memory: 64GB Storage, 4GB RAM
Battery: 5000mAh
Connectivity: 4G
Screen size: 6.6 inches
3 months installments: $55
6 months installments: $35
12 months installments: $25
Apply: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/credit/confirmation/itel-s18-pro">https://zero.pindula.co.zw/credit/confirmation/itel-s18-pro</a>
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<h1>Itel S51 Bluetooth Speaker</h1>
Two Channel Stereo &amp; Atmosphere lamp, 
Stereo Surround Sound, 
Support party use, 
Support TF Card, 
Playback time: 5 Hours, 
Charging time: 3 hours, 
Standby time: 80 hours, 
Interface: Micro-USB
3 months installments: $16
6 months installments: $10
12 months installments: $8
Apply: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/credit/confirmation/itel-s51-bluetooth-speaker-22">https://zero.pindula.co.zw/credit/confirmation/itel-s51-bluetooth-speaker-22</a>
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<h1>Itel 32 inch LED HD TV</h1>
High Definition Display (HD 1366 x 768), Built-in 20W Stereo Speaker, Enjoy Videos/MP3/Pictures through USB Flash, 
3 months installments: $64
6 months installments: $41
12 months installments: $29
Apply: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/credit/confirmation/itel-32-led-hd-tv-with-i-cast-22">https://zero.pindula.co.zw/credit/confirmation/itel-32-led-hd-tv-with-i-cast-22</a> 
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Itel Smartphones Available On Credit To Zimbabwe Civil Servants

The Public Service Commission (PSC) says civil servants holding positions above Deputy Director Grades will get 2022 bonuses at the beginning of 2023 based on their performance for the year 2022.
In a statement issued on Monday, 21 November 2022, the Secretary to the Public Service Commission, Tsitsi Rosemary Choruma, said from 2023 onwards, all civil servants including those of positions of Deputy Director Grades and below will receive bonuses based on performance. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
<h2>GOVERNMENT POSITION ON BONUSES FOR CIVIL SERVANTS</h2>
The Public Service Commission wishes to inform that bonuses for civil servants for this year, 2022, will be treated as follows:
1. As per the signed agreement at the recent meeting of the National Joint Negotiation Council (NJNC), only those of positions of Deputy Director Grades and below will receive bonuses.
2. This bonus will constitute the following:
a) 13th cheque, plus
b) Special Presidential Bonus.
3. This will be paid out in two equal batches in November and December.
4. It must be noted that Director Grades and above signed performance contracts at the beginning of 2022. It is in view of these performance contracts that Directors and above will NOT receive any bonus in 2022 but rather will, at the beginning of 2023, get performance awards based on their performance for the year 2022.
5. These awards will only be extended to Directors and above after all evaluations and assessments for the year 2022 are completed.
6. Only Director Grades and above who meet their set targets will get performance awards.
7. This is in line with Government’s new practice of performance contracting which only rewards satisfactory performance and sanctions non-satisfactory performance for Directors and above.
8. Government is committed to ensuring that a results-based, high performance, high productivity Work Culture is inculcated within the civil service.
9. From 2023 onwards, performance contracting, which had only thus far been for Director Grades and above, will also be cascaded to all civil servants of all grades across the board.
</blockquote>

Govt Announces Position On 2022 And 2023 Bonuses For Civil Servants

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has pledged a US$200 bonus top-up for civil servants in addition to their regular annual bonuses.
This means that civil servants are this year receiving additional US dollar-denominated salaries under a “special presidential bonus.”
The secretary general of the Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions (ZCPSTU), David Dzatsunga, told <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/2022/11/mnangagwa-launches-presidential-bonus-charm-for-civil-servants/">Zimlive</a> that the presidential bonus will be paid on top of the conventional 13th cheque already promised to the workers.
He said the additional incentive was offered at the Monday National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC) meeting bringing together government and public sector union representatives. Said Dzatsunga:
<blockquote>
The President intervened because we then realised that the bonuses were not going to be quite meaningful without that US$200 and also to clarify that the presidential bonus will be paid in two tranches; half of that will be paid this month and the other half will be paid next month. This was done to make sure that everybody gets their money.
So we are getting $200 plus a bit of what we were supposed to get as a bonus.
You find that the lowest-paid civil servant will get a bonus of $250 and then it goes up to about $347 for the upper grade. Naturally, workers were appreciative of the extra money.
</blockquote>
According to the communiqué released at the end of the NJNC meeting, an additional US$200 will be paid to every government employee as a special presidential bonus. It reads:
<blockquote>
Payment of the 2022 bonus for deputy director level and grades below will be in US dollars as 100% of gross pensionable emoluments (basic salary, transport and housing allowance. An additional US$200 will be paid to every employee as a special presidential bonus.
The bonus will be paid in two equal tranches across all sectors starting from November, with the latest payment being in December.
</blockquote>
The government said the bonus will be paid over two months, with half of the bonus payment set to be effected alongside November salaries, and the other in December.

Civil Servants To Receive Conventional Bonus Plus "Special Presidential Bonus"

Unions representing civil servants say their bonus in United States dollars is too little as they demand the restoration of their pre-October 2018 United States dollar salaries of $540.
A correspondence from the National Joint Negotiation Committee (NJNC) held on Monday reveals that civil servants will get their bonus including a flat US$200 presidential bonus. It reads:
<blockquote>
Payment of the 2022 bonus for deputy director level and grades below will be in US dollars as 100% of gross pensionable emoluments (basic salary, transport and housing allowance. An additional US$200 will be paid to every employee as a special presidential bonus.
The bonus will be paid in two equal tranches across all sectors starting from November, with the latest payment being in December.
</blockquote>
Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) president Obert Masaraure argued that paying in installments will further erode the purchasing power of the bonus. He said:
<blockquote>
The 100% bonus remains paltry because it is 100% of a paltry income. We insist that salaries should be adjusted to the pre-October 2018 level. Paying in installments will further erode the purchasing power of the bonus.
The parties who signed representing NJNC should be ashamed for sustaining an illegal platform for their own expediency.
Civil servants deserve a genuine collective bargaining platform in line with Convention 154 of ILO, best practices in the region and section 65(5) of our own Constitution.
The naming of an annual bonus as presidential shows that we are not serious as a nation.
What’s so presidential about that paltry amount? Someone somewhere is reducing the Office of the President to a joke.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe Nurses Association (ZINA) president Enock Dongo called on the government to release the bonus once and not in tranches. Dongo said:
<blockquote>
We want to appeal to the government to pay the bonus at once in one month, not to divide it into two since it’s not much and also we are still asking for more.
The figure presented as a bonus is too little to thank the hardworking employees with.
</blockquote>
| <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200003366/civil-servants-scoff-at-bonus-offer">NewsDay</a>

Special Presidential Bonus Too Little - Civil Servants

The government says it is experiencing financial constraints and therefore cannot afford to pay civil servants bonuses at once, and will spread the payment of the 13th cheque over two months, that is, November and December.
This came out during a National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC) meeting held on Monday, 7 November 2022, in Harare.
The NJNC brings together the government and unions representing civil servants for negotiations on the latter’s salaries and conditions of service.
During yesterday’s NJNC meeting, the government said it would pay all employees 50% of their bonuses this month, while the balance would be paid next month.
Addressing reporters after the meeting, Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Unions president Cecilia Alexander said it was agreed that all civil servants from the deputy director level and below would receive their bonuses unconditionally. She said:
<blockquote>
The workers’ side representatives met with the government on the 7th of November 2022 to deliberate on quite a number of issues, chief among them is the payment modalities of 2022 annual bonuses.
The meeting agreed that all civil servants from deputy director grade and below will receive their bonuses unconditionally.
The bonuses will be accorded in two tranches starting from November to December across the board.
Fifty percent of the annual bonus will be paid per the said months plus the usual earnings.
</blockquote>
Alexander said outstanding fees for teachers’ children would also be paid in batches for all terms in December through the Salary Service Bureau. She added:
<blockquote>
On performance advancement, all members will be rightfully placed in their grades in January 2023, while the arrears will be worked upon thereafter.
</blockquote>
Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) secretary-general Raymond Majongwe, said while the government should be commended for paying bonuses unconditionally, it was disheartening that teachers were paid far less compared to other civil servants. Said Majongwe:
<blockquote>
We applaud the government’s first step to treat all workers unconditionally. However, we continue imploring the employer to do likewise on salary earnings.
We are not happy with the current salary discrepancies that have seen teachers earning less than the rest of the civil servants when we are working for the same employer.
</blockquote>
Nurses and soldiers earn significantly higher salaries than police officers and teachers, which has been a bone of contention for the latter. | <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200003218/govt-to-spread-bonus-payment">NewsDay</a>

Govt To Spread Bonus Payment Across November And December

The government on Monday reversed its controversial plan to pay performance-based bonuses to some civil servants.
In the past, the government had paid a uniform 13th cheque to public sector workers but recently announced that only deserving workers will get a bonus.
A National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC) meeting was held today where public sector union representatives pressed the government to scrap its plan to award bonuses based on performance.
Cecilia Alexander, the president of the Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions (ZCPSTU), told reporters:
<blockquote>
The workers’ side representatives met the government to deliberate on quite a number of issues, chief among them the payment modalities of the 2022 annual bonus.
The meeting resolved that all civil servants from deputy director grade and below will receive their bonuses unconditionally.
</blockquote>
She said the government cited cash-flow challenges and as a result agreed to pay the bonus over two months, with half of the bonus payment set to be effected alongside November salaries, and the other in December.
Alexander also said the government committed to paying outstanding school fees for teachers’ children in December.
The government also said it would place civil servants in their proper grades starting in January 2023, said Alexander. | <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/2022/11/performance-based-bonus-scraped-for-civil-servants-after-outcry/">ZimLive</a>

Govt Scraps Performance-based Bonus For Junior Civil Servants

A Zimbabwean teacher was arrested recently for complaining about the poor salaries paid by the government to civil servants.
According to the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), the teacher, Edith Mupondi, resides in Budiriro, a high-density suburb in Harare.
Mupondi appeared before the Harare Magistrates Court on Monday, 7 November, on charges of contravening section 88(b) of the Postal &amp; Telecommunications Act for “sending by telephone any message that she knew to be false for the purpose of causing annoyance, inconvenience needless anxiety to any person.”
Prosecutors allege that Muponda, who is represented by ZLHR lawyer Gift Mtisi, unlawfully used her mobile phone handset to send a message on “Epworth Ladies” WhatsApp group on 23 October 2020 decrying payment of poor salaries by the government to civil servants. The alleged message read:
<blockquote>
PaEpworth High School, Mr Muzondo, Mr Mudzengere, Mrs Sithole please tinyareiwo muzvigarire kumba, muri kurwisa vanhu vari kukurwirai kuti muwane mari inotenga. Tinyareiwo please.
</blockquote>
When loosely translated into English, this means:
<blockquote>
At Epworth High School, Mr Muzondo, Mr Mudzengere &amp; Mrs Sithole, please respect us by staying at your respective homes. You are fighting people that are clamouring for payment of improved salaries for teachers.
</blockquote>
The message prompted Yvonne Sithole, one of the teachers at Epworth High School, who was allegedly mentioned in the WhatsApp communication reportedly sent by Mupondi, to lodge a complaint with the police.
As a result, Mupondi was arraigned before Harare Magistrate Tafadzwa Miti to stand trial on charges of contravening the Postal &amp; Telecommunications Act.
In her complaint, Sithole said the message allegedly generated by Mupondi scared her as it sent shivers down her spine. She said:
<blockquote>
I recalled well since the opening of schools, I was going to school as usual since I had an exam class.
On some of the days I would inform the Headmaster that I was not coming since I had no money for transport and this was being done by every teacher at the school.
Surprisingly, on 23 October 2020, around 2026 hours, a WhatsApp message was sent to a group.
The message was from a group called “Teachers Can’t Breathe Epworth” and it was forwarded to “Epworth Ladies Group”. It was forwarded by Edith Mupondi.
I am now living in fear and I am no longer able to go to school since I don’t know the intentions of these people and I informed the Headmaster.
</blockquote>

Teacher Arrested For Posting WhatsApp Message Complaining About Poor Salaries

The National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC) is scheduled to meet on Monday morning with the issue of modalities for the payment of the 2022 bonus on the agenda.
The NJNC brings together the government and unions representing civil servants for negotiations on the latter’s salaries and conditions of service.
A letter dated 7 November 2022, addressed to Apex Council chairperson, Cecilia Alexander, by the NJNC chairman, reads in part:
<blockquote>
The Chairperson of the National Joint Negotiation Council (NJNC) invites members to an NJNC meeting to be held on 07 November 2022 at 1100hrs in the 9th Floor Boardroom, Kaguvi Building.
</blockquote>
Last week, the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Paul Mavima said that civil servants will start receiving the 13th cheque this month.
He, however, said some top civil servants, that is, heads of Government departments who signed performance contracts will not receive their bonuses if they fail to meet their targets.
Civil servants are demanding an unconditional 13th cheque and a living wage.

Govt, Civil Servants' Unions Meet This Monday

The Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Paul Mavima said that civil servants will start receiving the 13th cheque this month.
However, some top civil servants, that is, heads of Government departments who signed performance contracts will not receive their bonuses if they fail to meet their targets.
Speaking during an interview with <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/civil-servants-to-start-getting-bonuses/">The Herald</a> on Tuesday, Mavima said deserving civil servants will start getting their bonuses this month. He said:
<blockquote>
Yes, they will get bonuses starting in November. The civil servants who performed well as per the performance-based contracts they signed will be part of those who will start receiving the 13th cheque this month.
… the bonuses are, however, based on those performance contracts for Cabinet Ministers, permanent secretaries and directors. The performance indicators are clear.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions (ZCPSTU), formerly Apex Council, chairperson, Cecilia Alexander, said during the last National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC) meeting it was agreed that bonuses will be paid from the deputy director downwards. She said:
<blockquote>
For directors upwards, it will be performance-based, but from deputy directors downwards, we indicated that everyone should get the bonus. This is what we tabled at the last NJNC meeting.
</blockquote>
Alexander also confirmed that the government had paid civil servants the 25 percent salary increase it promised during the last meeting.
Speaking at a function in Bulawayo recently, Primary and Secondary Education permanent secretary Tumisang Thabela said senior civil servants will not get bonuses automatically. Said Thabela:
<blockquote>
We received notification (from the employer) that beginning in 2022 everyone, director and above will not get a bonus automatically.
If you are a director or grade above, you are going to be assessed according to your performance and be given a performance bonus if you deserve it.
If you don’t meet the targets which you set yourself together with your supervisor, which met the minimum expectations, then you might have to go and tell your children this year that there is no bonus starting with your permanent secretary.
So, the only people who are safe are from deputy director or acting deputy director.
</blockquote>

Majority Of Civil Servants To Get Bonuses

ZANU PF has reportedly formed another parallel structure that draws its membership from civil servants ahead of the 2023 general elections.
Civil Servants TrustED is targetting soldiers, police officers, and prison officers, among others.
This follows the recent launch of Teachers for Economic Development (ED) and Health Ambassadors for ED.
<a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200002618/zanu-pf-targets-civil-servants">NewsDay</a> quoted an unnamed senior police officer as saying Civil Servants TrustED is moving around the country and selling ZANU PF membership cards at civil servants’ workstations.
The police officer, whose name cannot be revealed to protect him from possible victimisation, said:
<blockquote>
Selling and buying membership cards is currently underway at this station (name withheld).
</blockquote>
Civil Servants TrustED secretary-general, Duku Chigumira, said the group intends to incorporate all government employees. Said Chigumira:
<blockquote>
Ours is an umbrella body that seeks to incorporate the rest of the civil servants who are not represented.
We are drawing our membership from Agritex workers, police, soldiers, prison officers, and all those who work in government departments. We are supporting President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030.
We are government workers and the highest-ranking civil servant is the President, so we have to support him.
We have launched Civil Servants TrustED in eight provinces save for two Matabeleland provinces where we have had communication problems.
</blockquote>
The Constitution stipulates that security service members, who include soldiers and police officers must be apolitical.
ZRP spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, said he had not received reports of police officers being ordered to buy ZANU PF membership cards. He said:
<blockquote>
The issue of police alleging that they are being forced to put on ZANU PF regalia or buy membership cards has not been brought to the office of the commissioner-general. However, we will carry out investigations on the matter.
</blockquote>

Another ZANU PF Affiliate, Civil Servants TrustED, Launched

EcoSure has launched a funeral plan for civil servants with premiums starting from as low as US$2 per month for an individual.
The package covers the principal member, their spouse, an unlimited number of children, their in-laws, as well as family members above the age of 70.
Speaking during the launch of the funeral plan in Harare on Thursday, Econet Life’s Chief Life and Principal Officer Godwin Mashiri, said:
<blockquote>
We are excited to launch this scheme that is dedicated to Government employees.
The good news is that we are waiving the usual three months waiting period for those with policies elsewhere.
We will also give a ‘one-month-free’ for our hospital cashback plan and offer free tents and chairs in the first three months if a government staff member has a wedding, memorial, funeral, party or any other event.
</blockquote>
Mashiri said EcoSure’s Government employees offer comes in four packages. He said:
<blockquote>
These range from just US$2 for an individual, without a tombstone; US$3, with a tombstone, and up to $15 for an unlimited family package, without a tombstone. Then there is an US$18 package, including tombstones.
</blockquote>
EcoSure is the biggest life assurer in Zimbabwe by the number of lives covered.
It offers funeral cover with pay-outs of up to US$5 000 per policy, from as little as US$0.50. | <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/ecosure-launches-new-and-affordable-funeral-plan-for-government-employees/">The Herald</a>

EcoSure Launches New Funeral Plan For Civil Servants

Civil servants have rejected a US$25 increment offered by the government and are instead pushing for more.
The government recently offered a US$25 increment to public sector employees to give a total of US$200 during the last National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC) meeting.
However, Apex Council secretary David Dzatsunga told <a href="https://businesstimes.co.zw/civil-servants-want-njnc-disbanded/">Business Times</a> that the NJNC should be disbanded and replaced with a body that allows genuine dialogue. Said Dzatsunga:
<blockquote>
The government offered a US$25 without workers’ consultation and the workers have rejected that amount describing the increment as too little.
Dialogue is still ongoing as we are still expecting the government representatives.
The government is promising to pay US$200 in October but it has not attended to the ZWL component which has remained static.
The medical aid covers, funeral policies and other levies have increased in ZWL$ at a time the local currency remained static and this has left the amount eroded.
If they had been on CBC [Collective Bargaining Chamber] we would have negotiated for the increase of both components but because it is NJNC the government has the upper hand and is dictating the pace.
</blockquote>
Dzatsunga said wages in local currency remained static while the RTGS has depreciated and needs an urgent increment.
Meanwhile, the lowest-paid civil servant is getting ZWL$36 000 per month.
Government workers are demanding a pre-October 2018 salary level of US$540 a month.
This comes as the country’s cost of living for a family of six rose by 263% to ZWL$274 858.75 in the month of August from ZWL$75 757.62 in January.

Civil Servants Push For Zimbabwe Dollar Salary Hike

Civil servants want the government to speed up the disbandment of the National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC).
The representatives of civil servants accuse the government of manipulating the platform to its advantage while neglecting the interests of workers.
Speaking in an interview with <a href="https://businesstimes.co.zw/civil-servants-want-njnc-disbanded/">Business Times</a>, Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions (ZCPSTU) secretary David Dzatsunga said:
<blockquote>
In terms of the social dialogue framework, we should move away from NJNC which is a consultative forum to a Collective Bargaining Chamber where we meet as equals.
Under NJNC, the government representatives say they are going to consult but they will just disappear into thin air and the next day you just see an amount which you have not discussed.
</blockquote>
Recently, Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Paul Mavima revealed that the government was replacing the NJNC with the Collective Bargaining Chamber (CBC). He said:
<blockquote>
We are in the process of creating a CBC to replace the NJNC. I, therefore, call upon you all to give your views on this exciting development and to ensure that you contribute meaningfully to this process.
</blockquote>
However, the Collective Bargaining Chamber is yet to materialise.
Some unions representing civil servants have accused the government of hand-picking “friendly” unions to attend NJNC.

Civil Servants Want NJNC Disbanded

Teachers have grudgingly welcomed the upward review of public sector workers’ USD allowances to US$200 from US$175.
The new salary regime was tabled on Tuesday during a meeting of the National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC).
The government also pledged to continue paying the annual bonus, a 13th cheque, in foreign currency as was done last year but the full details of that payment are yet to be revealed.
Secretary-General of the Association of School Heads Munyaradzi Majoni said they welcomed the increment but they want teachers’ salaries and allowances to be at par with the rest of the civil service. He said:
<blockquote>
Any increment is welcome though we are still lagging behind when compared to other Government departments.
Education is paid five times less than nurses and other civil servants.
Our allowances are too low and the allowances should be the same for all civil servants But we welcome the increment.
</blockquote>
The chairperson of the National Association of Primary Schools, Cynthia Khumalo, said the increment is better than nothing. She said:
<blockquote>
We appreciate the increment but we want the authorities to look further into the issue because 25 per cent will not change anything. It is difficult to accept but at least the increment is better than nothing.
We want the money to be reviewed to US$540 because we once earned that money sometime back during the dollarisation era.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe Teachers’ Union (ZIMTA) secretary-general Goodwill Taderera said:
<blockquote>
The money is not adequate or to our expectations. When the minister promised us an increment, we had higher expectations.
We want social dialogue to prevail so that we can address our concerns to the Government.
</blockquote>
The outcome of Tuesday’s NJNC meeting was confirmed by Apex Council chairperson Cecelia Alexander. She said:
<blockquote>
The employer offered an increase of 25 per cent on the USD$100 to make it US$125 and maintained the USD$75 COVID-19 allowance to make the total US dollar package US$200 with effect from September 1, 2022.
The workers acknowledged the increase but chose to wait for specific modalities on how this is going to be implemented
The employer did not offer or table any increase on the Zimbabwe dollar salary and the workers demanded that this be also reviewed without fail.
In the end, the Government side asked for time out to consult.
</blockquote>
| <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/civil-servants-welcome-usd-pay-increase/">The Herald</a>

"Teachers Paid Five Times Less Than Other Civil Servants"

The Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) has scoffed at the US$25 increment to public sector workers’ allowances by the government, describing it as too little.
On Tuesday, the government and public sector unions met under the National Joint Negotiating Forum where the new offer was tabled. 
Posting on Twitter on Tuesday, PTUZ said the paltry increment will lead to industrial action by teachers. It said:
<blockquote>
The govt, as usual, thinks it’s all a joke. An increment of only $25 when service providers have already wiped out more than that, really?
It would seem that govt is pushing teachers towards real action. It’s a dog’s breakfast.
</blockquote>
In a letter updating public sector workers on Tuesday on the outcome of the NJNC, Apex Council chairperson Cecelia Alexander said the wage increase is with effect from 1 September 2022. She wrote:
<blockquote>
The employer offered an increase of 25 % on the USD100 to make USD125 and maintained the USD75 Covid allowances to make the total USD package USD200 with effect from the 1st of September 2022.
The workers acknowledged the increase but chose to wait for specific modalities on how this is going to be implemented.
The employer did not offer or table any increase on the ZWL salary and the workers demanded that this be also reviewed without fail.
In the end, the government side asked for time out to consult.
</blockquote>

Teachers Union Say US$25 Pay Rise Is "A Joke"

The government has increased USD allowances for civil servants by 25% from the current US$175 to US$200 with effect from 1 September 2022. However, there has been no increment in civil servants’ Zimbabwe dollar salaries.
The government and civil servants representatives met on Tuesday, 20 September 2022 under the National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC) to deliberate on the latter’s salaries and conditions of service.
In a statement issued after the NJNCmeeting, the chairperson of the Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions (ZCPSTU), Cecilia Alexander, said the parties deliberated on the cost of living adjustment (COLA), Sector Specific Allowances and Performance Awards, and the 2022 Bonus. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
To All Public Sector Workers
RE: NJNC Update The NJNC meeting today deliberated on the following conditions of service matters:
<ul>
<li>COLA</li>
<li>Sector Specific Allowances and Performance Awards</li>
<li>2022 Bonus</li>
</ul>
<h2>COLA</h2>
The employer offered an increase of 25% on the USD100 to make it 125USD and maintained the USD75 Covid allowance to make the total USD package USD 200 with effect from the 1st of September 2022.
The workers acknowledged the increase but chose to wait for specific modalities on how this is going to be implemented.
The employer did not offer or table any increase on the ZWL salary and the workers demanded that this be also reviewed without fail. In the end, the government side asked for time out to consult. Sector
<h2>Specific Allowances</h2>
The workers advised the employer to resuscitate already agreed sector-specific allowances so as to bring all government workers to the same level to which the government committed to speedily work on the implementation modalities.
On the school fees assistance for teachers, the government indicated that they had faced challenges again with payment modalities, but it was acknowledged by both parties that most of the bottlenecks have now been addressed.
The workers then felt that the ZWL20 000 per child was no longer enough given the latest school fees increase and that government should consider indexing the figure to USD50 value.
<h2>2022 Bonus</h2>
Government committed to paying the 2022 bonus in USD but did not provide any figures and again asked for time to consult on the payment details and the total offer thereof.
<h2>Adjournment</h2>
The parties agreed to adjourn the meeting to allow for the government side to consult with their principals and to reconvene in the shortest time possible, possibly within the week to finalise on the aforementioned outstanding issues.
</blockquote>

Govt Increases USD Allowances For Civil Servants

The government has reportedly decided to revive the National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC) after civil servants threatened to go on strike on 26 September 2022.
The NJNC brought together the government and unions representing civil servants for negotiations on the latter’s salaries and conditions of service.
In July this year, <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/civil-servants-quit-national-joint-negotiating-council/">the Federation of Zimbabwe Educators Union (FOZEU) advised the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Paul Mavima, that they had quit the NJNC.</a>
Meanwhile, in a letter dated 19 September 2022 and addressed to the chairperson of the Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions (ZCPSTU), Cecilia Alexander, one S Tarupuwa, writing on behalf of the NJNC chairman, invited civil servants’ leaders to a meeting this Tuesday.
The letter, which was copied to Mavima and the Permanent Secretary for Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, read in part:
<blockquote>
The Chairperson of the National Joint Negotiation Council (NJNC) invites members to an NJNC meeting to be held on 20 September 2022 at 1130hrs in the 9th Floor Boardroom, Kaguvi Building.
</blockquote>
The matters on the agenda included the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) and the 2023 Annual Bonuses.
The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) said instead of trying to revive NJNC, the government should simply fulfil the September salary review pledge or face the wrath of the workers on 26 September.

Govt In Bid To Revive National Joint Negotiating Council

Civil servants have accused Finance and Economic Development Minister, Mthuli Ncube, of taking them for fools after he allegedly reneged on his promise to increase their salaries in September.
Ncube promised to increase government workers’ salaries this month but this has not materialised.
Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions (ZCPSTU) secretary general, David Dzatsunga told <a href="https://businesstimes.co.zw/govt-reneges-on-salary-promise/">Business Times</a> on Wednesday that civil servants are failing to make ends meet. Dzatsunga said:
<blockquote>
We had hoped that the finance minister would honour his promise to review our salaries this September.
But, with no increment, it’s now very difficult for us to make ends meet.
We are just wondering how on earth we are supposed to manage fees, and day-to-day life and be able to go to work.
Now that the majority of the civil servants have received their salaries and there is no increment it shows that we were given a basket to carry water.
This is an utter lack of respect for all the government workers as we were planning in line with the increment.
</blockquote>
Civil service union leaders were expected to meet on Friday to discuss their plight and map the way forward.
A police officer who declined to have his identity revealed told Business Times that his net salary for September after pension and medical aid deductions was ZWL$42 250. Said the police officer:
<blockquote>
It’s a nightmare for me as I expected to surpass the ZWL$80 000 mark this month.
I don’t know what I am going to do with this ZWL$42 000 and how I will pull through next month.
</blockquote>
In a meeting with civil servants on 1 August this year, Ncube revealed there was a possibility of a salary adjustment. He said:
<blockquote>
The government will, however, review the situation in September to see if there is a scope to increase the US$ as well as the ZWL components premised on revenue inflows.
</blockquote>

Mthuli Gave Us A Basket To Carry Water - Civil Servants

Civil service union leaders will hold a meeting on Friday morning to deliberate on the way forward after the government failed to review civil servants’ salaries in September.
Last month, Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube met with representatives of civil servants under the Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions (ZCPSTU) banner to discuss salaries and conditions of service.
During the meeting, Ncube said the government will consider increasing the US dollar component paid to public workers in September.
However, the government did not increase its workers’ salaries as they were expecting and this may result in job action by the restive civil service.
In a statement, PTUZ said the government has insulted teachers and the rest of the civil service (ROCS) by failing to improve their conditions of service. PTUZ said:
<blockquote>
Civil service unions meet this morning (Friday) to deliberate on the latest insult from govt.
The indication by the government that teachers and ROCS don’t matter will likely lead to the collapse of public sector services.
Govt can’t end the year the same way it started.
</blockquote>
Civil servants are currently getting US$175 in allowances but they are pushing for the restoration of their pre-October 2018 salaries of US$540.

Civil Service Unions Meet After Govt Fails To Review September Salaries

The government is reportedly set to review civil servants’ salaries and cushioning allowances soon.
According to a <a href="https://businesstimes.co.zw/govt-to-review-civil-servants-salaries/">Business Times</a> report, the Zim Dollar salaries will go up by about 90% while allowances will be increased to US$200 from US$175.
Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions (ZCPSTU), chairperson Cecilia Alexander, told Business Times that the increment will not be enough but will help to improve the welfare of civil servants. Said, Alexander:
<blockquote>
We are not yet where we want [US$540 per month] but the recent confirmation of the review by the Treasury shows that we are making progress towards our requested monthly pay.
It’s not easy to get where we are, it’s after protracted discussions but we will certainly continue with engagements with the authorities.
</blockquote>
Business Times reported a source as saying the adjustment will see most workers getting nearly US$300 per month. Said the source:
<blockquote>
The actual amount is yet to be finalised but according to the proposed papers, the Treasury has set the US$ portion at US$200 and the ZWL$ component at around US$70 000.
This week, the Treasury will submit the proposals to the (inter-ministerial) Committee.
Then, it will have a meeting with the civil servants on the government’s position.
</blockquote>
Civil servants have previously rejected Zimbabwe dollar salaries and are demanding a pre-October 2018 salary level of US$540 a month.

Govt To Review Civil Servants’ Salaries | Report

The Premier Service Medical Aid Society (PSMAS) said that it is still accepting PSMAS Medical aid cards in its health facilities, contrary to claims made on social media.
Some disgruntled PSMAS members had taken to social media alleging that their medical aid cards were being rejected by PSMAS health facilities.
They also claimed that they were being requested to pay for services including admission in United States Dollars, with the amounts ranging from US$100 to US$250.00 depending on the service.
PSMAS Communications and Stakeholder Relations Manager, Paidamoyo Chipunza, told Health Times that they are still accepting PSMAS Medical aid cards but service providers may charge varying co-payments and shortfalls depending on the service. She said:
<blockquote>
PSMAS is a medical aid fund, which pays for services rendered to its members by any service provider accepting its card, including PSMI.
We reimburse for the services using AHFoZ tariffs but service providers may charge varying co-payments and shortfalls depending on the cost of their services.
</blockquote>
Chipunza said PSMAS is in talks with the government seeking to review their tariffs to ensure that members receive uninterrupted quality healthcare services. She said:
<blockquote>
With regards to the sustainability of current monthly premiums, for the public sector, there are ongoing engagements with the Government for a subscription review, and there are positive indications that an agreement will be arrived at soon.
With regards to the private sector, reviews are done in response to both inflation and exchange rate movements from time to time.
In both instances, the Society’s desire is for members’ subscriptions to be commensurate with expected member benefits.
</blockquote>
PSMAS members are currently paying a monthly amount subscription rate of US$10.00.
The government has been paying 80% (US$8.00) of the tariff for civil servants, while the civil servant has been paying the remaining 20% (US$2.00).
Meanwhile, PSMAS executives believe that the ideal subscriptions would be US$30 for the main plan, US$60 for the premier plan and US$90 for the prestige plan every month.
Civil servants earn their salaries in Zimbabwe dollars and charging subscriptions in foreign currency may hinder their chances of accessing quality healthcare services.
More: <a href="https://healthtimes.co.zw/2022/08/22/psmas-speaks-on-rejecting-own-medical-aid-cards/">Health Times</a>

PSMAS Speaks On Rejecting Own Medical Aid Cards

Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube says it is not true that civil servants are underpaid. He said that their salaries were above the poverty datum line (PDL).
Ncube on Wednesday said 53% of the country’s budget was being spent on government employees’ salaries.
He said this while addressing Parliament where he was quizzed over civil servants’ low salaries. Ncube said:
<blockquote>
So we have responded to that and there is a misnomer or rather a misleading contribution from some of the honourable members who ignore the US$175 that we are paying to civil servants and only focus on the Zimbabwe dollar question.
If you include the US$175 per month, the average earnings for civil servants come to US$297 at the current exchange rate, which is in line with the PDL of July which is at US$285. So it is perfectly in line with the PDL for July 2022.
</blockquote>
Teachers, who form the bulk of civil servants, earn around ZWL$60 000 plus US$175 in allowances while nurses earn about ZWL$215 000 which includes various allowances, plus the US$175.
According to statistics availed by the Zimbabwe Statistics Agency (ZimStat), the PDL as of July stood at ZWL$140 000.
The official exchange rate currently stands at $494 to US$1 and anything between $750 and $850 on the parallel market.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe Teachers Association (Zimta) secretary-general Goodwill Taderera criticised Ncube’s remarks. He said:
<blockquote>
Government is taking advantage of us. They (authorities) are taking advantage of our understanding.
They themselves do not get the kind of money they are giving us. The PDL is not a living wage.
Ncube saying our salaries are above the PDL is not fair on us civil servants. When we talk of salaries, we should not compare them with the PDL.
When we talk of salaries, we are talking of a living wage. We talk about what is happening on the ground, not just talking about figures from nowhere.
As far as we are concerned as ZIMTA, we are receiving less than the poverty datum line. We are supposed to be getting around US$804.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) secretary-general Japhet Moyo said Ncube was out of touch with reality.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2022/08/civil-servants-well-paid-mthuli/">NewsDay</a></h4>

Civil Servants Are Handsomely Paid - Mthuli Ncube

The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) on Tuesday challenged President Emmerson Mnangagwa to deliver on his pledge to improve the welfare of civil servants.
Speaking during the Heroes Day commemorations at the National Heroes Acre on Monday, Mnangagwa promised to address civil servants’ conditions of service. He said:
<blockquote>
As a listening and responsive Administration, we will continue to explore new and innovative ways of improving the working conditions of our civil service.
Various monetary and non-monetary measures are being intensified for the benefit of the patriotic public workers of our country.
Additionally, robust training programmes are being rolled out to inculcate a new work culture that is grounded on our rich liberation and heritage based ideology, which is uniquely Zimbabwean.
</blockquote>
However, ZCTU secretary-general Japhet Moyo said civil servants cannot survive on empty promises. He said:
<blockquote>
They should walk the talk. We have heard that before and this is a critical component.
Civil servants are the backbone of the government. For a government to be functional, there is a need for civil servants to be well paid.
</blockquote>
Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube recently said the government will consider increasing the United States dollar component paid to public workers.
He also promised to increase the portion paid in local currency but civil servants want the restoration of their pre-October 2018 salaries of US$540.
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2022/08/walk-the-talk-on-civil-servants-welfare-ed-told/">NewsDay</a>

ZCTU Urges Mnangagwa To Fulfil His Promises To Civil Servants

Some civil servants are reportedly abusing the exemption to pay import duty when they import vehicles.
The government promulgated Statutory Instrument 80A of 2022 which says that Grade B and C in the civil service can import a vehicle with a maximum value of US$3 500, those in D and E US$5 000 and deputy directors US$10 000.
The vehicle must be less than 10 years old from the date of manufacture at the time of import, as is now the case with all imported vehicles.
However, it has emerged that some civil servants are importing vehicles for other people and charging a “fee” of between US$700 and US$1 500 depending on the type of vehicle.
The vehicles remain registered in the names of the civil servants involved while being driven by others, reported Chronicle.
Public Service Commission (PSC) secretary Jonathan Wutawunashe warned that stern action will be taken against those who are abusing the rebate by importing vehicles for third parties if they are caught. He said:
<blockquote>
That is corruption. It is supposed to be a non-monetary benefit and if one decides to sell his or her car, duty must be paid.
The Government sacrificed its revenue and allowed civil servants an opportunity to own vehicles.
Treasury is being denied revenue for the sake of catering for civil servants.
If any of the civil servants are caught on the wrong side of the law, stern action will be taken.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/civil-servants-abusing-vehicle-rebate/">Chronicle</a>

Civil Servants Abusing Vehicle Duty-free Import Facility | Report

Unions representing civil servants have conceded that the majority of their members ignored the call to take part in the two-day national strike that was planned for Wednesday and Thursday.
In a statement, all the federations that organise in the Public Sector, namely FEUZ, FOZEU, NFOZ and PSA said most civil servants did not take part in the exercise due to various reasons. The reasons, according to the unions, include the following:
<ul>
<li>Many indicated that they were docked part of their salaries pursuant to the incapacitation declared by education sector unions in February 2022. This instilled fear in some civil servants, with the result that some, despite the obvious incapacitation, still failed to exercise their constitutional rights to collective job action.</li>
<li>Members who took part in the same incapacitation exercise were excluded from the 2022 Census and ZEC exercises. This reduced the number of participants in the exercise as some still hope to be included in future national programs purely for financial reasons.</li>
<li>Membership bemoaned the little time accorded to them to be involved in the job action. There was little time for most people to activate their structures to participate in the two-day job action.</li>
<li>Social media was awash with insinuations that those who would participate the industrial action are anti-government and this really intimidated members, especially those in political hotbeds away from the urban areas.</li>
<li>In some sectors like education, some have continued to report for work based on the argument that they are marking mid-year examinations, and would still find their work waiting for them after two days.</li>
<li>Others also survive from the lessons they hold in schools, and the snacks they sell to learners.</li>
<li>For most in the rest of the civil service, they did not participate due to lack of the dense cover enjoyed in the education and health sectors. In some cases, there are very few civil servants and therefore many fear being easily identified to have taken part in action.</li>
</ul>
The unions warned that if the Government does not address their grievances, massive industrial action is imminent in September.
<h2>What are the civil servants’ demands?</h2>
<ol>
<li>Immediate restoration of the value of our wages to pre-October 2018 levels, to be paid in USD and not in ZWL.</li>
<li>An immediate halt to the wave of suspensions, summary dismissals, illegal disallowances and victimisation of teachers and nurses for exercising their constitutional right to organise and to a fair and reasonable wage.</li>
<li>The payment of a medical allowance to all civil servants without discrimination.</li>
<li>The employer should desist from bashing union leadership for exercising their representative roles as messengers of their voiceless membership.</li>
<li>The employer should speedily implement all prior collective agreements fully, including but not limited to timeous school fees payment for the children of educators, regrading, sectoral allowances and performance advancement.</li>
</ol>

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