District Strategic Information Evaluation (SIE) Assistant

Graduate Trainee: Information Technology Auditor x2 (Mutare)

Assistant Lecturer: Depatment Of Mining And Mineral Processing x2 (Mutare)

Graduate Trainee: Human Capital (Harare)

Full-Time Lecturer: Physics (Gweru)

Part-Time lecturer: Indigenous Languages (Khoisan)

Full Time lecturer: Indigenous Languages (Gweru)

Full Time-Lecturer: Educational Psychology x2 (Gweru & Harare)

Full Time-Lecturer: Inclusive Education and Assistive Technologies x2 (Bulawayo & Gweru)

Full- time Lecturer: Early Childhood Development x2 (Bulawayo & Harare)

WASH Coordinator (Hwange)

Pre-Registration Pharmacist (Harare)

Manager: Information Systems Audit (Harare)

Instrumentation And Control Technician (Chiredzi)

Switchboard Operator x2

Librarian/Senior Librarian (Grade: 8/7)

Interpreters/Translators (English to Shona) x1 & (English to Ndau) x1

Director Budget Office

Nursing Officers (Grade: 8) x3

External Relations Officer x2 (Grade: 8)

Accounting and Auditing Analyst (Grade: 8)

Full-time Lecturer: Educational Administration/Management x2 (Gweru Campus)

Full Time Lecturer: Computer Science

Students on Attachment: Accounting/Finance (Harare)

Human Resources Student Intern (Harare)

Gender, Youth and Social Inclusion Officer (Harare)

Field Officer-Livelihoods x3 (Harare)

Project Accountant (Bulawayo)

HIV Prevention and ASRH Officer x2 (Harare)

Sales Graduate TraineE (Harare)

Site Security Guards Supervisor (Harare)

Risk Officer (Harare)

Branch Manager (Chiredzi)

Legal and Compliance Officer (Harare)

Class Two (2) Truck Drivers x54

Dispensary Assistant (Harare)

Account Student for Attachment (Harare)

Senior Loans And Administration Officer

Loans Officer (Harare)

Welder (Harare)

School Nurse (Harare)

Field Officer (Kariba)

Driver (Harare)

Human Resources & Finance Assistant (Gwanda)

Cook (Gwanda)

Student Attachees: Retail (Bulawayo)

Student Attachees: ICT

Community Development Worker (Harare)

Infrastructure Specialist (Harare)

Finance Intern/ Attache` (Harare)

TOPP Trainee (Harare)

Step User (Chihota)

Disability Inclusion Officer (Mudzi)

Lecturers

Executive Director

Finance and Human Resources Manager

Software Engineer

Network Administrator

Workshop Operative

TFCA Programme Officer (Grade: D1)

Actuarial Analyst

Creative Design Officer

Marketing and Communications Officer (Harare)

Howo Drivers (Hwange)

Communications Intern (Harare)

Control Technician (Harare)

ICT Enterprise Solutions Consultants (Harare)

Sales Consultant (Harare)

Procurement and Logistics Officer (Harare)

Entrepreneurship Skills Coordinator (Harare)

Human Resource Officer (Mutare)

Finance Officer (Mutare)

Education, Parenting, and In-School Officers x3

DREAMS Data Collation Clerks x32

DREAMS District Mentor (Seke)

Young KP Field Officer (Seke)

DREAMS Program Nurses x10

Facility Priority Services (PMTCT/Paeds) Focal Person x50

No Means No Lead Trainers x12

Families Matter Program (FMP) Facilitators x16 (Nkayi)

Administrative Trainees x5 (Lupane)

Sport Development Officers (Harare)

Co-ordinator for Director Commercial (Harare)

Public and Media Relations Officer (Harare)

Business Development Officer (Harare)

Legal Officer (Harare)

Scholarship Opportunities

Part-Time Welder/ Fabricator (Harare)

Part-Time Repairs/ Faults Technicians (Harare)

Part-Time Solar Systems Installation Technician (Harare)

Part-Time Bookkeeper (Harare)

Deputy Librarian

ICT Technician (Bulawayo)

Library Assistants x2 (Harare)

Security Guards x3 (Harare)

Digital Campaign Officer (Harare)

Risk Analyst (Harare)

Furniture Designer (Bulawayo)

3 Wheeler Van Salesman (Bulawayo)

The government has commended civil servants who assisted the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) in administering last week’s Harmonised Elections peacefully.
More than 150 000 officials were deployed for the 23 August Harmonised Elections which spilled into the following day in some parts of the country.
In a statement, Public Service Commission (PSC) Secretary Tsitsi Choruma thanked civil servants for their contribution to the electoral processes. She said:
<blockquote>
The Secretary to Service Commissions, Dr Tsitsi R. Choruma, on behalf of the Chairman Service Commissions, Dr Vincent Hungwe; and Commissioners of all Service Commissions, would like to thank all members of the civil service, the uniformed forces, independent commissions, non-state parties, our members in the foreign missions and all relevant public service stakeholders, who made themselves available and diligently discharged their duties in support of the ZEC during the 23 August 2023 Harmonised Elections.
</blockquote>
ZANU PF candidate Emmerson Mnangagwa garnered 52.6%, in the tightly-contested elections, beating CCC’s Nelson Chamisa who polled 44% of the vote.
ZANU PF also won the majority in the National Assembly as it garnered 136 seats against 73 for CCC.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

2023 Elections: Govt Commends Civil Servants

The government has said Tuesday, 22 August will be a half day for all civil servants in order to enable them to prepare and travel to vote on Wednesday.
In a statement, the Secretary to Service Commissions, Tsitsi Rosemary Choruma said that normal working hours will resume on Thursday, 24 August 2023. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
Following the proclamation of Wednesday, 23 August 2023 as the Harmonised General Election date, the Secretary to Service Commissions, Dr Tsitsi R. Choruma, wishes to announce that Tuesday, 22nd August 2023 will be a half day for all public servants in order to enable them to prepare and to travel to the various stations where they are registered to vote.
The voting exercise is critical and of utmost importance as it allows all citizens to exercise their sovereign right in participating in this key electoral process.
The Secretary to Service Commissions takes this opportunity to wish each and every public servant a peaceful voting exercise.
Normal working hours will resume on Thursday, 24 August 2023.
</blockquote>
Yesterday, the Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Kazembe Kazembe declared the 23rd of August a public holiday in terms of section 38(2) of the Electoral Act [Chapter 2:13).
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Civil Servants Sent Home Early, Set To Resume Normal Working Hours On 24 August

Unions representing civil servants have dragged to High Court President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the Public Service Commission and other officials over the Government’s penchant for unilaterally reviewing public workers’ salaries, <a href="https://thenewshawks.com/civil-servants-drag-mnangagwa-to-court/">The NewsHawks</a> reported.
The civil servants argue that the current setup where the Public Service and Social Welfare Minister single-handedly decides how much they should earn is unconstitutional.
They are therefore seeking a ruling that declares the current set-up unconstitutional and a declaratory order that forces collective bargaining involving all civil servants’ unions on their salaries and allowances.
The first applicant in the latest court application is the Zimbabwe Teachers’ Union (ZIMTA) led by its chief executive officer Sifiso Ndlovu.
The other applicants are the Civil Service Employees’ Association (CSEA) representing the rest of public service workers with a membership of 2 600 civil servants; Progressive Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) Educators’ Union of Zimbabwe (EUZ) and the Amalgamated Rural Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ).
The Public Service Commission is cited as the first respondent and Mnangagwa as the second respondent. The application reads in part:
<blockquote>
The 2nd Respondent is the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe cited herein in the official capacity as the person responsible for the approval of salaries, allowances and other benefits of members of the Public Service as may be fixed by the 1st Respondent in terms of section 2003(4) of the Constitution.
</blockquote>
Other respondents cited are Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube, Public Service Minister Paul Mavima and Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi.
Attorney-General Prince Machaya is also cited as a respondent because he is the person who is the principal legal adviser to the government, responsible for drafting legislation on behalf of the government as well as representing the government in civil and constitutional matters.
The trade unions are being represented by the law firm of former Highfield MP and trade unionist Munyaradzi Gwisai, Matika and Gwisai Attorneys.
The matter under case number 8261/22 at the High Court of Zimbabwe, was set down to be heard on 21 September by Justice Lucy Mungwari.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Civil Servants Drag Mnangagwa To Court Over Salaries

The Government has enacted regulations that allow retired senior public servants to import cars duty-free with the maximum set between US$40 000 and US$60 000, depending on grade, within five years of retirement.
The new regulations are contained in Statutory Instrument 134 of 2023 gazetted by Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube on Monday.
Last year, the Government published regulations allowing civil servants in the grades of deputy director and below to import cars duty-free while still working.
More senior staff often have access to official cars, so the duty-free benefit comes after retirement when they lose the work car.
SI 134 of 2023 will benefit those who were employed by the Public Service Commission (PSC) or the independent commissions and held positions between chief director or its equivalent and permanent secretary or its equivalent, the top rank, at the time of their retirement.
The facility will be on a once-off basis and will benefit the retired public servant within five years of retirement.
The imported vehicle must be less than 10 years of manufacture at the date of importation.
To benefit from the rebate, a retired senior public servant will have to submit to the Commissioner (of ZIMRA); an application letter to be considered as a beneficiary; a letter from the ministry where the retired senior public servant was last employed confirming their date of retirement and position held; a copy of the intended beneficiary retired senior public servant’s driver’s licence.
In consideration of an application for a rebate, the commissioner may revalue the motor vehicle in line with the existing customs valuation regulations in cases where he or she suspects undervaluation of the car. Reads the regulations:
<blockquote>
Statutory Instrument 134 of 2023. S.I. 134 of 2023 
Customs and Excise (General) (Amendment) Regulations, 2023 (No. 115) 
IT is hereby notified that the Minister of Finance and Economic Development has, in terms of section 235 of the Customs and Excise Act [Chapter 23:02], made the following regulations:— 
1. These regulations may be cited as the Customs and Excise (General) (Amendment) Regulations, 2023 (No. 115). 
2. The Customs and Excise (General) Regulations, 2001, published in Statutory Instrument 154 of 2001 (hereinafter called “the principal regulations”), are amended in Part XIII by the insertion of the following section after section 144W— 
“144X. Rebate of duty on motor vehicles imported by retired senior public servants 
(1) In this section— 
“motor vehicle” means a vehicle aged less than ten years from date of manufacture at the time of importation, admissible under Commodity Codes 87:03 and 87:04; 
“retired senior public servant” means a person who at the time of retirement was employed by the Public Service as a Chief Director or Permanent Secretary or those in their respective equivalent grades, and retired after 30th June, 2022. 
(2) Subject to this section, a rebate of duty shall be granted in respect of one motor vehicle imported or taken out of bond by a retired senior public servant who was employed by the Public Service or the Independent Commissions at the time of their retirement. 
(3) Only one motor vehicle may be imported by a retired senior public servant under rebate in terms of this section on a once-off basis. 
(4) No rebate of duty shall be granted to a retired senior public servant more than five years after their date of retirement. 
(5) The maximum import value in respect of which a rebate may be granted to the retired senior public servants in terms of this section for any motor vehicle shall be forty thousand United States dollars for Chief Directors or those in their equivalent grades, and sixty thousand United States dollars for Permanent Secretaries or those in their equivalent grades. 
(6) No rebate shall be granted in terms of this section unless the retired senior public servant furnishes the Commissioner with the following documents— 
(a) an application letter to be considered as a beneficiary in terms of this section; 
(b) a letterfromtheMinistrywhere the retired senior public servant was last employed confirming their date of retirement and position held; 
(c) a copy of the intended beneficiary retired senior public servant’s driver’s license. 
(7) In consideration of an application for a rebate under this section, the Commissioner may revalue the motor vehicle in line with the existing customs valuation regulations in cases where he or she suspects undervaluation of the motor vehicle.”
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Retired Senior Civil Servants To Import Cars Duty-free

The Government of Zimbabwe has announced a salary increase of US$50 for civil servants, effective from June, with the local currency portion being pegged at the equivalent of US$150 at the prevailing interbank rate. Negotiations for further reviews of conditions of services are continuing.
Previously, government workers received a US$250 monthly Covid-19 allowance, while the rest of their remuneration was denominated in the local currency. The Treasury is working towards raising workers’ salaries to pre-October 2018 levels of US$540 per month for the least-paid employee.
The new salary package was tabled during a recent meeting of the National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC), a platform that brings together the Government and worker representatives to discuss conditions of service. The Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Professor Paul Mavima stated that the package was meant to cushion workers from the rising cost of living. The salaries will continue to be raised until the workers’ demands are met. He told <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/civil-servants-get-backdated-usd-pay-rise">The Sunday Mail</a>:
<blockquote>
As you are aware, workers have been agitating for a long time to have their salaries restored to pre-October  2018 levels of US$540 per month.
It is clear that Government is answering that call.
But considering the economic challenges we have, we are going there progressively.
As has been said, the NJNC will reconvene for further deliberations, but for now, Government has come up with a workable offer as we wait for another review.
If you do your calculations well, we are now only about US$100 short of meeting that demand.
</blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions (ZCPSTU) president Mrs Cecilia Alexander said engagement with the Government under the NJNC has improved, and negotiations have been positive. Alexander said:
<blockquote>
I can safely say they negotiated in good faith this time.
Even though they did not meet our expectations, the talks we had were positive.
As you can see, after effecting a pay rise, Government has made great interventions that have helped in reducing prices of basic commodities and the local currency has also strengthened against the United States dollar.
</blockquote>
The NJNC is expected to reconvene soon for another round of talks.
Speaking during Tuesday’s post-Cabinet briefing, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said Cabinet approved a proposed salary increase for public sector employees. She added that negotiations will continue, guided by the spirit of continued improvement of the welfare of the civil service. In March, government workers were awarded a 100 percent salary increase and reviewed their Covid-19 allowance, except for health sector workers.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Govt Increases Civil Servants' Salaries, Says It Aims To Restore US$540

The Government has shifted the pay dates for civil servants for the month of July 2023 to take into account a new salary increment.
Government representatives and members of the Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions (ZCPSTU), formerly Apex Council, met on 7 July 2023 under the National Joint Negotiating Council to review civil servants’ conditions of service.
Addressing a post-Cabinet media briefing on Tuesday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said the Government had decided to increase civil servants’ forex and local currency salary components with immediate effect.
In a letter dated 13 July 2023, Finance and Economic Development Secretary George Guvamatanga advised the Chairman of Service Commissions Vincent Hungwe to shift civil servants’ pay dates. He wrote:
<blockquote>
As you may be aware, Government and Workers met on the 7th of July 2023, as part of the ongoing negotiations to improve the remuneration of public servants and pensions.
Taking account of the agreement by workers to the tabled proposal signed on the 11th of July 2023 and the Cabinet directive of the same day, that the processing of the offer be implemented, Treasury proposes to shift pay dates to allow the payroll to be rerun…
</blockquote>
Guvamatanga said the pay dates should be moved as follows: Army &amp; Air Force of Zimbabwe, from 14 July to 18 July; Health, ZRP, and ZPC also from 14 July to 18 July.
The pay date for public workers in the education sector has been moved from 17 July to 21 July.
However, for the Rest of Service and Independent Commissions, as well as Pensions and Grant Aided Institutions, the pay dates are unchanged, that is, 21 July and 25 July respectively.
Guvamatanga advised Hungwe to communicate the new pay dates to members of the civil service.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Civil Servants' July Salaries Delayed

The United Kingdom has offered millions of public sector workers salary increases in an attempt to end strikes triggered by a cost-of-living crisis.
The pay rise comes as thousands of junior doctors walked off the job in protest for five days.
So-called junior doctors, those who are in the early stages of their careers in the years after medical school, started their strike at 7 AM, demanding a 35 percent pay rise. Health Secretary Steve Barclay said:
<blockquote>
This five-day walkout by junior doctors will have an impact on thousands of patients, put patient safety at risk and hamper efforts to cut NHS waiting lists … A pay demand of 35 percent or more is unreasonable and risks fuelling inflation, which makes everyone poorer.
</blockquote>
The UK government decided to accept recommendations for pay increases, Treasury Chief Secretary John Glen said on Thursday.
Junior doctors will now get a 6 percent pay uplift and a lump-sum pay increase of 1 250 pounds (US$1 633.25).
Teachers will get 6.5 percent, police officers 7 percent and armed forces will receive a 5 percent salary increment.
Glen said there would be no new borrowing or spending to fund the increases.
However, teachers’ pay rises will be funded by a reallocation of the existing education department budget.
The pay increases are below the current 8.7 percent inflation rate but are aimed at bridging the gap.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has promised to halve inflation and ministers have stressed the danger that increasing wages too far will undermine that goal and fuel rising prices.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

UK Govt Offers Civil Servants Pay Rise As Junior Doctors Strike

An economist at Lupane State University (LSU) has urged the Government to explore the feasibility of paying a portion of civil servants’ salaries in gold-backed digital tokens and gold coins.
Speaking to the <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/consider-paying-civil-servants-in-gold-coins/">Chronicle</a>, LSU business clinic development manager and economist George Nhepera said paying civil servants in gold coins and gold-backed digital currency reduces the dominance of the black market as the instruments are an alternative store of value other than the US dollar. Said Nhepera:
<blockquote>
To this end, they should be promoted in terms of their use for both people-to-people (P2P) transactions, people-to-business (P2B), and business-to-business (B2B).
Once this has been achieved with full market confidence, surely our Government can take a giant step to include a portion, say 50 percent of the civil servant salaries and benefits, be paid in these innovative instruments.
This strategy will help to curtail the black-market dominance in our market which is not helpful for the economic growth and poverty alleviation of our country let alone the achievement of our Vision 2030.
The future therefore belongs to innovators hence our monetary authorities are walking the talk in that space and they should be commended for supporting the Government in that respect.
</blockquote>
However, economic analyst Morris Mpala argued that paying civil servants in the gold-backed currency will reduce the demand for the Zimbabwe dollar. He said:
<blockquote>
This again defeats the purpose of encouraging the use of local currency by the populace. Noble as it might be in terms of liquidity management it shouldn’t be encouraged.
Let’s pay civil servants the right remuneration and let them have a choice in how they save their money and we concentrate on making the fundamentals right for everyone.
</blockquote>
On Tuesday, 11 July, the Government announced it has increased civil servants’ forex and local currency salary components with immediate effect.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Govt Urged To Consider Paying Civil Servants In Gold Coins

The Government has increased civil servants’ forex and local currency salary components with immediate effect.
Addressing a post-Cabinet media briefing on Tuesday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said the Government will continue negotiations with civil servants’ representatives to improve its employees’ welfare. She said:
<blockquote>
Cabinet received a report on the status of negotiations held by the National Joint Negotiating Council on 7 July 2023 where it was agreed that the current offer of salary adjustments as proposed by Government be effected immediately. 
The parties further agreed that consultations and negotiations will continue guided by the spirit of continued improvement of the welfare of the Civil Service.
The decision by the parties takes cognisance of the need to afford the measures being implemented by the fiscal authorities to take effect.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions (ZCPSTU), formerly Apex Council, secretary-general David Dzatsunga acknowledged the salary increase when contacted by the <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/government-to-adjust-civil-servants-forex-local-currency-salary-components/">Chronicle</a>, but declined to disclose the figures. He said:
<blockquote>
The figures are not what we proposed as workers, but we want to believe they will still bring some relief to the plight of the civil servants.
Unfortunately, I cannot reveal how much of an increase it is because we took a position as a panel not to make the figures public after realizing that once they are made public, it triggers a lot of things on the market.
The government put across their proposal which fell short of ours, but seeing the plight of our members, we felt it was better for that to be implemented as we continue with the negotiations.
</blockquote>
On Tuesday,  <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200013836/no-joy-for-civil-servants">NewsDay</a> cited sources who attended the NJNC meeting last Friday as saying the government had tabled an increment of US$50 hard cash and the equivalent of less than US$40 in local currency.
Civil servants have been advocating for a minimum of US$840 per month, a figure that went up from the initial bargaining amount of US$540.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Govt Awards Civil Servants Salary Increment

The National Joint Negotiation Council (NJNC) is set to reconvene this week after the talks between the Government and civil servants held last week were inconclusive.
The Government and the Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions (ZCPSTU), formerly Apex Council, met in Harare on Friday to discuss civil servants’ conditions of service but they failed to reach an agreement.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200013836/no-joy-for-civil-servants">NewsDay</a> on Monday, 10 July, ZCPSTU chairperson Cecilia Alexander said that the two parties have since agreed to meet again this week. She said:
<blockquote>
We had negotiations with the government on July 7th on Friday on the salary increment on both the US dollar and local currency components.
The meeting was not conclusive as the government is in consultation with its principal.
The government said they are going to consult further on the increment and we have since agreed to meet seven days from the day we met.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, NewsDay reported sources who attended the meeting as saying the government had tabled an increment of US$50 hard cash and the equivalent of less than US$40 in local currency.
Civil servants have been pushing the Government to restore their pre-October 2018 salaries of US$540 for the least-paid employee.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Govt, Civil Servants Salary Talks To Resume This Week

Civil servants and the Government have halted salary negotiations for the second quarter pay rises in both foreign and local currency components due to discrepancies in the increments demanded and offered.
The workers have been demanding more pay to restore value arguing that the depreciation of the Zimbabwe dollar eroded their salaries. The National Joint Negotiating Council meeting, the forum for discussing public service pay and service conditions, was paused on Friday.
Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Professor Paul Mavima told The Herald Friday night that details of the meeting will be availed in due course. Prof Mavima recently added:
<blockquote>
Government remains committed to improving the welfare of its employees and will continue to engage workers’ representatives in a bid to improve conditions of service for civil servants.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Union Chairperson, Mrs. Cecilia Alexander, stated that negotiations were ongoing, as per the confederation’s statement. The National Joint Negotiating Council met on July 7, 2023, to discuss the Government’s salary increment offer for Q2 2023. She said:
<blockquote>
The Government had its offer tabled and discussed. However, the workers’ side representatives acknowledged the offer but asked the Government team of negotiators to consult their principals for an improvement in both US dollar and Zimbabwe dollar components with the view to restore and improve the value. 
</blockquote>
ZCPSTU said the meeting is expected to reconvene in the shortest period.
The Government has been reviewing civil servants’ salaries regularly to cushion them from price hikes and improve their welfare but the continued depreciation of the local currency continued to render the salaries worthless. 
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Civil Servants And Government Have Halted Salary Negotiations

Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Paul Mavima said that Government officials and civil servants’ representatives will meet on Friday, 07 July to discuss conditions of service for civil servants.
In a statement, Mavima said the Government is committed to improving the welfare of its employees. He said:
<blockquote>
Following my announcement on 25 June 2023 that Government will effect a new remuneration package that includes an increment in the United States dollar component for civil servants to cushion them from the rising cost of living.
I am pleased to announce that Government and worker representatives will convene the National Joint Negotiating Council meeting on 07 July 2023 to discuss conditions of service for civil servants.
Government remains committed to improving the welfare of its employees and will continue to engage workers’ representatives in a bid to improve conditions of service for civil servants.
</blockquote>
Last Thursday, the Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Union (ZCPSTU) wrote to Mavima requesting an urgent meeting to review civil servants’ salaries.
ZCPSTU, formerly the Civil Service Apex Council, is the union representing civil servants.
In the letter, ZCPSTU expressed disappointment over what it termed “unreasonable delays” by the Government to convene a salary review meeting.
ZCPSTU said recent media reports of Government officials promising salary negotiations had raised workers’ hopes, yet the promises have not been fulfilled. 
Mavima denied reports that the Government was in the process of drawing a package that will see employees earn a minimum of US$400 when allowances are factored in.
He insisted that the Government has not come up with any salary package for its workers.
Public sector workers currently earn US$250 in allowances, while their salary, which is in the fast-depreciating Zimbabwe dollars, is now about US$1
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Govt, Civil Servants Convene Salaries Meeting

The Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Union (ZCPSTU) on Thursday wrote to the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, requesting an urgent meeting to review civil servants’ salaries.
ZCPSTU, formerly the Civil Service Apex Council, is the union representing civil servants.
In the letter, ZCPSTU expressed disappointment over what it termed “unreasonable delays” by the Government to convene a salary review meeting. The union said:
<blockquote>
ZCPSTU writes to express our utmost disappointment at the unreasonable delay to convene NJNC (National Joint Negotiating Council) in spite of the dire necessity for it in the light of the huge deficit between prices and wages which has left workers subsisting on the USD250 allowance.
</blockquote>
ZCPSTU said recent media reports of Government officials promising salary negotiations had raised workers’ hopes, yet the promises have not been fulfilled. Reads the letter:
<blockquote>
This has created a legitimate expectation amongst the workers that a solution is near, making our work as unions a lot harder to explain the delay and why the employer would be comfortable with a situation where their workers have no salary to speak of, only an allowance.
Our legitimate request is that we want an NJNC now. We have taken the resolve to visit your office as a delegation of ZCPSTU this Friday 30 June at 1000hrs to help us appreciate the employer’s position regarding the situation of workers. We look forward to being hosted by you.
</blockquote>
Public sector workers currently earn US$250 in allowances, while their salary, which is in the fast-depreciating Zimbabwe dollars, is now about US$13.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Civil Servants Demand Urgent Salary Meeting With Government

Teacher unions say their members can no longer report for work consistently due to financial incapacitation.
The Education Union of Zimbabwe (EUZ) has since written to the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare explaining the financial challenges teachers are facing and asking for an upward review of their earnings.
The letter, which was copied to the permanent secretary in the Public Service Ministry and the minister and permanent secretary in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, reads in part:
<blockquote>
Our members in the rural areas have been long forgotten with a rural allowance of ZW$3 516 which is 72 US cents at interbank rate. Our members shall therefore not consistently report for duty until they are fully capacitated.
Teachers got a paltry ZW$70 311 in April 2023. Then, the interbank rate was at US$1:ZW$994.71 and could secure US$75. The interbank rate has since shot up to US$1:ZW$4 868 as at June 2023.
Prices of basic commodities have also spiraled at each upward review of the interbank rate.
The Consumer Council of Zimbabwe has confirmed that in May 2023, a family of 6 re[1]quires ZW$1 million to survive monthly from ZW$611 275 in April 2023.
Without an immediate review of teachers’ salaries, they cannot afford decent accommodation, transport, food and paying bills.
</blockquote>
Amalgamated Rural Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) president Obert Masaraure told <a href="https://thenewshawks.com/teachers-bemoan-us13-slave-wage/">The NewsHawks</a> that the future of the country’s education system is uncertain. Said Masaraure:
<blockquote>
The future for the education sector in particular is bleak. We are witnessing a massive brain drain as workers, including teachers, are leaving Zimbabwe in search of greener pastures in the diaspora.
Those who are unfortunate enough to remain at the workplace are highly demoralised, with very low productivity. Downtime is also high as workers are consistently engaging in job actions.
The revival of Zimbabwe’s economy is next to impossible with the current crisis in labour relations.
To save Zimbabwe, people should vote for a government that can improve the welfare of workers.
</blockquote>
Teacher unions are demanding varying amounts ranging from civil servants’ pre-October 2018 salaries of US$540 to US$1 260 per month.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Teachers' Zimbabwe Dollar Salary Plummet To US$13 - Unions

The Government is yet to come up with a new pay package for civil servants, a Cabinet Minister has said.
This follows reports that the Government was in the process of drawing a package that will see employees earn a minimum of US$400 when allowances are factored in.
But speaking to <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/zimbabwe-marks-time-on-pay-talks-as-wages-shrink-to-us10/">ZimLive</a> on Thursday, Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Paul Mavima said that the Government has not come up with any salary package for its workers. He said:
<blockquote>
It’s a matter that we are seized with as a government and sooner rather than later, we are going to be having the meeting between the government and the workers team.
You will know as soon as the government has come up with a package for negotiation. That’s the only thing we are waiting for now.
The NJNC (National Joint Negotiating Council) meeting can take place anytime once we have come up with a package.
</blockquote>
Civil servants earn US$250 in allowances and a regular wage of ZWL$100 000 which is about US$10 using the street rate which is the one widely used in the economy.
However, civil servants are demanding at least US$840 per month for the lowest-paid employee.
Last weekend, Mavima was quoted by State media as saying the Government was “looking at all possibilities” of cushioning civil servants, with a salary increase in Zimbabwe dollars and an adjustment of the US dollar allowance “imminent”. He said:
<blockquote>
A pay rise is imminent; public service workers need to be paid handsomely so that they do their job well.
We, as Government, have an obligation to meet the needs of our workers so that they will not engage in corruption and “kungwavha-ngwavha” (hustling).
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

We Are Waiting For New Pay Package For Civil Servants - Minister Mavima

Zimbabwe’s economic challenges, high inflation and the rising cost of living are driving civil servants and ordinary people to suicide.
The Amalgamated Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) last week said a deputy school head and mother of three, Miriam Manyarara, from Mwenezi District in the Masvingo Province took her own life due to “slave wages”.
Manyarara was reportedly found hanging in her house by colleagues after collecting her salary.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/africa/2023-06-26-zimbabwe-union-flags-mental-health-concern-due-to-economic-hardship/">TimesLive</a>, ARTUZ president Obert Masaraure said that teachers and civil servants are suffering in silence. He said:
<blockquote>
It is very unfortunate that we have a serious mental health crisis in Zimbabwe that is not being attended to.
We have a serious issue of underpayment which triggers mental health illness.
Unfortunately, we have teachers who are taking their lives, and police officers who are taking their lives.
They are underpaid and no one is paying attention to their urgent needs. People are suffering in silence and committing suicide.
As a union, we urge the government of the day to have policy interventions that can address the crisis and to pay teachers and other civil servants a living wage to enable them to deal with the challenges they face daily.
</blockquote>
Recently a police officer who had been taken to Parirenyatwa Hospital in Harare hanged himself after telling doctors his salary was too low to support his family.
There are 135 000 teachers employed in Zimbabwean public schools and they earn about ZWL$100 000 in Zimbabwe dollars and a monthly allowance of US$250.
Over the weekend, Public Service and Social Welfare Minister Paul Mavima said the Government is looking at giving public sector workers a new salary package to “cushion them from the rising cost of living”. He said:
<blockquote>
We are looking at all possibilities including effecting an increase of US dollars as well as a pay increase in local currency.
</blockquote>
Civil servants are demanding US$840 per month for the lowest-paid Government employee.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zim's Economic Challenges Driving Civil Servants To Suicide - Teachers' Union

The Government is “looking at all possibilities” of cushioning civil servants, with a salary increase in Zimbabwe dollars and an adjustment of the US dollar allowance “imminent”.
This was said by Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Paul Mavima in an interview with <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/more-usd-for-civil-servants-government-to-adjust-salary-tax-bands/">State media</a>. Mavima said:
<blockquote>
As has always been the case with the Government, our workers are important to us. As we speak, Treasury is working on the issue.
We are looking at all possibilities, including effecting an increase of the US dollar, as well as a pay increase in local currency. The consultations I am talking about do not take a long time.
Once we have our numbers from Treasury, we will immediately submit them to the President for his consideration and adjustment before the National Joint Negotiation Council convenes for negotiations.
A pay rise is imminent; public service workers need to be paid handsomely so that they do their job well.
We, as Government, have an obligation to meet the needs of our workers so that they will not engage in corruption and “kungwavha-ngwavha” (hustling).
We expect workers to discharge their duties diligently.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions (ZCPSTU) president Cecilia Alexander said negotiations with Government for a pay rise will resume soon. She said:
<blockquote>
As you may be aware, our salaries, especially the local currency component, have been wiped away by inflation, and that alone calls for a salary increase.
However, what is on the ground is that both the US dollar component and the local component need adjustment.
The Government seems to be promising a good package that will be enough to cater for workers’ needs and they are also saying there is room for backdating the salaries.
</blockquote>
In April, the Government awarded its workers a 100 percent salary increment in Zimbabwe dollars, and increased their COVID-19 allowance from US$200 to US$250, except for health sector workers.
Teachers were also awarded an additional US$80 monthly teaching allowance payable in local currency at the prevailing exchange rate.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pay Rise For Civil Servants Imminent - Minister Mavima

A police officer reportedly committed suicide at Parirenyatwa Hospital in Harare after telling doctors of his shame that his salary was too little to support his family.
<a href="https://www.zimlive.com/police-officer-hangs-himself-at-parirenyatwa-hospital-over-pay-shame/">ZimLive</a> reported that Francis Patama (34), jumped off a moving police vehicle but survived and was taken to the hospital where he hanged himself.
Patama was taken to the hospital by a team of officers from the Support Unit and relatives, including his wife.
The publication cited police sources as saying Patama did not report for duty on time after being paid last week.
When his superiors initiated disciplinary proceedings, he allegedly assaulted one of them. Added the source:
<blockquote>
He jumped off a moving police car on June 17 in an attempt to commit suicide.
He was taken to Parirenyatwa’s psychiatric unit called Annex and admitted for what doctors said was major depressive disorder with psychosis.
</blockquote>
Patama allegedly told doctors that he “feels like he is a failure because his salary can’t sustain the basic needs of his family.”
On the day of his death, Patama left Ward 12 where he was admitted to take a bath and took a cloth belt from one of the patients’ hospital gowns and hanged himself in a wardrobe.
Parirenyatwa spokesman Linos Dire declined to comment saying the matter is under police investigation.
Earlier this week, the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/06/20/teachers-blame-mthuli-ncube-for-deputy-headmistress-suicide/">said that the Deputy school head at Sarahuru Primary School in Mwenezi took her own life</a> due to “slave wages”.
Police officers are in the same pay bracket as teachers and other civil servants.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Police Officer Commits Suicide Over Pay Shame

The Zimbabwean government has reiterated that civil servants are banned from holding any political party office. A “confidential” memo dated May 17, 2023, was sent out by the <a class="MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">Public Service Commission</a>, which regulates the behavior of civil servants, outlining conduct with regards to political activities in government.
The memo emphasized that no member of the civil service may act in a partisan manner, further the interests of any political party or cause, prejudice the lawful interests of any political party or cause, or violate the <a class="MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">fundamental rights</a> or freedoms of any person. Moreover, members of the civil service must not hold any political party office.
The circular provided a procedure that members of the <a class="MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">Public Service</a> who intend to stand as candidates for parliamentary and <a class="MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">local government elections</a> must follow. They should submit a letter notifying the commission of their intentions and will be deemed to have resigned from the Public Service once their nomination is accepted.
The memo also stated that former members who lost elections could be reappointed provided a suitable post exists, and the interpretation of the circular rests with the Public Service. Heads of ministries were directed to ensure that every member has sight of the memo by May 30, 2023. This new memo replaces all previous circulars dealing with the participation of members in <a class="MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">harmonized elections</a>. Reads the memo:
<blockquote>
<h3>PARTICIPATION IN POLITICAL ACTIVITIES BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE</h3>
1.1 The conduct of members of the Public Service with regards to Participation in political activities in government by Section 200 (3) and (4) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 20) Act, 2013. Section 200 (3) and (4) provides as follows;
No member of the Civil Service may, in the exercise of their functions – (a) act in a partisan manner; (b) further the interests of any political party or cause; (c) prejudice the lawful interests of any political party or cause; or (d) violate the fundamental rights or freedoms of any person. Members of the Civil Service must not be office-bearers of any political party.
<h3>2.0 PROCEDURE FOR PARTICIPATION IN POLITICAL ACTIVITIES BY MEMBER</h3>
2.1 This Circular serves to provide the ‘procedure to be followed by members of the Public Service who intend to stand as candidates for Parliamentary and Local Government elections.
2.2 A member of the Public Service who wishes to become a candidate for election to a local authority or has been nominated AS a candidate by a political party, political organisation or political movement or declares himself/herself as a candidate for election to Parliament or local authority shall submit, in writing a letter notifying the Commission of his/her intentions. The member shall be deemed to have resigned from the Public Service with effect from the date that the authority is granted for those seeking election to a local authority.
2.3 A member of the Public Service who wishes to seek election to Parliament shall be deemed to have resigned from the Public Service with effect from the date of acceptance of his nomination by the nomination court.
2.4 A member who submits his/her candidature to a duly constituted Nomination Court and accepted as a candidate for election to Parliament or Local Authority with or without satisfying the procedure outlined in paragraphs 2.2 above shall be deemed to have resigned or retired from the Public Service with immediate effect.
2.5 A person who has ceased to be a member A the Public Service and who fails to secure or abandons his/her candidature or fails to be elected to Parliament or local authority, may apply in writing to the Commission for reappointment within 30 days after the holding of elections. ‘This only applies in cases that the former member shall not have filed an application to have results of the elections reviewed by a court of law.
2.4 A member, who has challenged the results in an Electoral Court, may only apply for reappointment to the Public Service alter finalisation of the petition.
2.5 Former members who have lost in elections may be reappointed provided a suitable post exists and subject to such tents and conditions as Commission may to an office or post in the Public Service.-
2.6 This Circular cancels and replaces all previous Circulars dealing participation of members in harmonised elections.
2.7 Heads of Ministries are being directed to obtain proof by not later than 30 May 2023 showing that eve, member has had sight of this Circular.
3.0 The interpretation of this Circular rests with the Public Service.
</blockquote>
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Zimbabwe Reiterates Civil Servants Are Banned From Holding Political Office

The Government is reportedly set to convene the National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC) meeting to review conditions of service for civil servants in the coming few weeks.
In an interview with <a href="https://newziana.co.zw/2023/06/01/government-to-convene-njnc-meeting-soon-mavima/">New Ziana</a> on Wednesday, Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister <a href="https://pindula.co.zw/Paul_Mavima">Paul Mavima</a>, said Government ministries are already working on a framework for reviewing civil servants’ salaries. Said Mavima:
<blockquote>
So, that consultation is taking place. It might take about a week or so, but once we have that framework and clear indicators of what is possible from the Government’s side, we then convene the NJNC, which will be a discussion between the representatives of the workers and the Government team.
</blockquote>
The Government awarded civil servants a 100 per cent salary hike in April this year but the increment has since been eroded by rising inflation.
Civil servants also rejected the 100% salary increment offer, accusing their employer of unilateralism.
Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions (ZCPSTU) president <a href="https://pindula.co.zw/Cecilia_Alexander">Cecilia Alexander</a> said no agreement was signed when Government representatives and civil servants met under the National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC).
The Government, however, proceeded to effect the salary increment in spite of protests from civil servants.
The adjustment included an increase of the COVID-19 allowance from US$200 to US$250 per month across all sectors, excluding the health sector.
Teachers were awarded a US$80 teaching allowance payable at the prevailing inter-bank rate with effect from April 1, 2023. The school fees payment facility for children of teachers was scrapped.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Govt To Meet Civil Servants Over Salary Increment Soon - Mavima

The Government says it will review civil servants’ salaries soon to cushion them from rising prices of goods and services.
Responding to questions from journalists during a post-Cabinet briefing on Tuesday regarding the Teaching Professional Council Bill and whether it will change the negotiations on teachers’ salaries, acting Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Jenfan Muswere said:
<blockquote>
The platform for salary negotiation is another platform and this will not disrupt any negotiations that are taking place.
That is why Professor Mthuli Ncube has just indicated that the review of civil servants’ salaries has already started and it is another platform.
</blockquote>
On Wednesday, Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Paul Mavima told <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/govt-to-cushion-workers-salaries/">The Herald</a> that the National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC), the umbrella forum for discussions on pay and conditions of service within public service, will meet within two weeks to discuss the percentage increase. Said Mavima:
<blockquote>
The percentage is subject to negotiation in the National Joint Negotiating Council.
As for the time frame, we will convene the NJNC as soon as the framework is provided by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development. Within the next two weeks, the NJNC will have met.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Union (ZCPSTU) spokesperson, David Dzatsunga said:
<blockquote>
Right now, the concern is the restoration of the value of wages in local currency that has been lost recently due to the exchange rate madness and the resultant price increases.
At the moment there is no Zimbabwe dollar salary to speak of while the US$250 is an allowance.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Union chairperson Cecilia Alexander said it was their hope that Government would review both the local currency and forex component. Said Alexander:
<blockquote>
We also remain committed to the path of dialogue for it can only be through dialogue that we can be able to improve our conditions of service.
We are actually calling for an urgent NJNC meeting on the erosion of the local currency.
</blockquote>
Alexander said the Government should consider rising inflation in future salary reviews.
She said there was sabotage of some sort because whenever civil servants’ salaries are increased, prices of goods and services are hiked as well.
In April this year, the Government increased civil servants’ salaries by 100 percent but the increment has been eroded by runaway inflation and the depreciating Zimbabwe dollar.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Review Of Civil Servants' Salaries Has Already Started - Mthuli Ncube

Civil servants have threatened to engage President Emmerson Mnangagwa directly over their demand for a salary increment if the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Paul Mavima ignores their request to meet at the negotiating table soon.
Speaking at a belated Workers Day Commemorations organised by the Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Union (ZCPSTU) in Harare on Friday, union secretary general David Dzatsunga said they have written to Mavima notifying the Government that they were now financially incapacitated to continue reporting for duty.
Dzatsunga also said they requested for an urgent National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC) meeting with their employer to discuss civil servants’ demand for a salary increment. <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/civil-servants-vow-to-escalate-wage-demands-to-mnangagwa/">ZimLive</a> quoted Dzatsunga as saying:
<blockquote>
Just yesterday (Thursday), we served notice to the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare of our incapacitation.
The minister has our letter, where we notified him that workers are now incapacitated to report for duty.
Incapacitation does not refer to a strike; it’s just the fact that the economic situation has gone bad.
We have also requested an urgent NJNC (National Joint Negotiating Council) meeting to discuss the way forward concerning our situation.
We have also said that if that does not happen, we need to escalate that by writing to the President.
We are waiting for the minister (of Public Service) to respond to us then we come up with the next strategy.
</blockquote>
Civil servants are currently earning US$250 in allowances in addition to about ZWL$200 000 but they are demanding US$840 per month for the lowest-paid Government employee.
The call comes as prices of goods and services have been increasing rapidly, with most shops and service providers pegging prices on the parallel market exchange rate which has rendered a 100% pay hike for civil servants last month meaningless.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Civil Servants "Incapacitated", Vow To Escalate Salary Demands To Mnangagwa

The Public Service Commission (PSC) has started to implement the first phase of the retention allowances payments to civil servants under the Skills Attraction, Retention and Development Fund (SARDF).
The retention allowance is aimed at attracting highly competent professionals into Government service and ensuring those already employed do not leave the civil service due to low remuneration.
In a statement on Wednesday, PSC secretary Tsitsi Choruma said the first phase will target 11 categories of critical skills with total pay benchmarked to local and regional earning levels.
Grades from the deputy director and below will be eligible for the allowances.
Engineers, information and communication technology specialists, mining surveyors, forensic scientists, architects, veterinary officers, quantity surveyors, social development officers, psychologists, metallurgists, and legal drafters make up the 11 categories.
Choruma said the allowance was set at 70 percent of the basic salary of the member’s grade. She said:
<blockquote>
The identification of jobs was based on the high level of attrition in these categories and also the difficulty in filling the posts once a vacancy arises.
The retention allowance for the job categories has been benchmarked using the salary levels obtaining on the market as observed from different salary surveys both locally and regionally.
As additional resources become available, more jobs will be added to the list, and the retention allowance improved.
</blockquote>
The Ministry of Finance and Economic Development had allocated ZWL$1.512 billion for the SARDF to pay the retention allowances.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Govt To Pay "Retention Allowances" To Skilled Civil Servants

Some teacher unions say their members are not ready for the commencement of the Second Term and are incapacitated but are dragging themselves to work to avoid reprisals by the Public Service Commission (PSC).
The 2023 Second Term starts today, 08 May, but unlike in previous years, teacher unions have not been urging their members to go on strike.
Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) president Takavafira Zhou on Sunday told <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200011249/outcry-over-school-fees-hike">NewsDay</a> that teachers lack motivation to effectively discharge their duties. Zhou said:
<blockquote>
Teachers are demotivated and have outstanding legitimate demands that have not been addressed by the PSC [Public Service Commission] emanating from their discrimination in salary increases in which other government workers have been awarded salary increases four times that of teachers.
Above all, the quantum leap of inflation and increase in basic (commodity prices) has left them virtually incapacitated.
They are parents as well and together with other parents have no money to pay for exorbitant fees paid in US dollars, particularly in boarding schools.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe Teachers Association (ZTA) secretary-general Goodwill Taderera said:
<blockquote>
As teachers, we have gotten used to the government ill-treating us, particularly on salaries.
So in terms of preparedness, the teachers are not very much prepared, but they are sympathetic to the learners.
</blockquote>
Taderera added that teachers were going to work to evade punishment from their employer.
Last month, the Government awarded civil servants a 100 percent salary increment but it has been rendered worthless by the precipitous fall in value of the Zimbabwe dollar on the parallel market.
Before the salary increment was announced, the rate was roughly US$1: ZWL$1 800 but it has since moved to US$1:2 700.
The Government also increased the COVID-19 allowance to US$250 for all civil servants excluding those in the health sector, up from US$200.
Civil servants are, however, demanding US$840 per month.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

"Teachers Dragging Themselves To Work To Avoid Punishment"

Civil servants have rejected the Government’s 100% salary increment offer, accusing their employer of unilateralism.
Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions (ZCPSTU) president CecIlia Alexander on Friday said no agreement was signed when Government representatives and civil servants met under the National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC).
She also accused the Public Service Commission (PSC) of insincerity. Said Alexander:
<blockquote>
ZCPSTU refused to sign the NJNC agreement because the PSC pre-empted through a circular written by the secretary who ordinarily should not have according to Statutory Instruments (SI) 141 of 1997.
</blockquote>
She claimed that some State employees (uniformed forces) got their increment in February while others only received an increment in April. <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/https-www-newzimbabwe-com-civil-servants-reject-governments-100-increment-offer/">NewZimbabwe.com</a> quoted Alexander as saying:
<blockquote>
The effective date where other sectors got a salary increase two months earlier and other civil servants have no inflation-adjusted salary components.
</blockquote>
Early this month, the Government approved a 100% remuneration review for civil servants except for the health sector.
The adjustment included an increase of the COVID-19 allowance from US$200 to US$250 per month across all sectors, excluding the health sector.
Teachers were awarded an US$80 teaching allowance payable at the prevailing inter-bank rate with effect from April 1, 2023. The school fees payment facility for children of teachers was scrapped.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Civil Servants Reject 100% Salary Increment

The Government is partnering with the private sector to provide housing stands to civil servants, reported the <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/new-housing-deal-for-civil-servants-10percent-of-all-new-developments-reserved/">Chronicle.</a>
National Housing and Social Amenities Minister Daniel Garwe said that under the scheme, the Government sells land to property developers at discounted rates and then it is given 10 percent of the serviced stands.
The stands are then allocated to civil servants.
Following a week-long strike by teachers in early 2022, the Government promised to avail non-monetary benefits to civil servants which include housing, and payment of school fees for teachers’ children, among others.
Speaking during the tour of Radar Properties, King City project housing in Umguza District last Wednesday, Garwe said:
<blockquote>
We do not have all the resources such as adequate funding but we have affordable land.
We are therefore partnering with the private sector whereby we provide land and they service the land and give us the serviced stands for allocation to civil servants.
All we want is a small 10 percent of their serviced stands which we then allocate to Government workers.
</blockquote>
He said for every 2 000 stands serviced by private developers, Government gets 200 stands for civil servants.
Zimbabwe has an acute housing shortage which has resulted in the mushrooming of informal settlements across the country, mainly in peri-urban areas.
In 2020, Garwe said the country’s housing waiting list was 1.3 million according to aggregated data from the local authorities.
He said the Government had started a programme of seriously engaging private sector players like blue chip companies on the Stock Exchange, manufacturers, banks and, building societies, parastatals, pension funds, insurance companies, and mining houses for resources to clear the housing backlog.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Govt Has New Housing Deal For Civil Servants - Minister Garwe

Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) secretary-general Japhet Moyo has said the majority of employers in the private sector cannot afford to match the recent salary adjustments set by the Government.
The Government recently approved a 100% salary increment for civil servants, with COVID-19 allowances also increased from US$200 to $250 across sectors excluding the health sector.
Moyo said in the past the private sector had been using Government salaries as a yardstick but this time, very few can afford to do that. <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/government-sets-salary-bar-too-high-private-sector/">The Sunday News</a> quoted Moyo as saying:
<blockquote>
There were different reactions to the Government’s position. Some sectors sort of followed what the Government offered its workers and some are offering a bit lower and we have not heard of anyone that is offering above that yet.
It is not always that they follow what the Government prescribes to its own employees but that has been the trend for a long time.
There are employers who believe that it is unaffordable as they source foreign currency from the black market.
Not all employers get their money from the auction system so they are worried that they may not be able to match what the Government has given for its workers from where prices are usually pegged. That’s the sentiment I am getting.
Collective bargaining has been very difficult, there are many backlogs that are there in all sectors so it looks like many of these sectors will not be able to do what the Government has done for its workers this time around.
</blockquote>
However, economist Morris Mpala, said despite the 100 percent increase in salaries for civil servants, public workers still earn less than workers in the private sector. He said:
<blockquote>
The 100 percent salary increase is good, yes but still civil servants rank low as compared to the private sector.
It is of course in the right direction that they were awarded this increase but it does not really motivate the private sector to do much as they still remain high in terms of salary rankings.
</blockquote>
Most of the time, civil servants rarely enjoy a salary increment because as soon as an announcement is made, shops and service providers hike prices and the exchange rate also shifts on the parallel market.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Private Sector Cannot Match Government's Salary Increment - ZCTU

The <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Progressive_Teachers_Union_of_Zimbabwe">Progressive Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ)</a> has said there is no joy in seeing the government commissioning housing units as civil servants cannot afford them.
The union was responding to a Twitter Post by the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services which indicated that President <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Emmerson_Mnangagwa">Emmerson Mnangagwa</a> commissioned the FBC Fountaine Ridge Housing project in Kuwadzana, Harare.
The bank constructed 858 housing units.
National Housing and Social Amenities Permanent Secretary Engineer Joy Makumbe previously said the government was doing 20 per cent of the construction while FBC did the rest. 
In a Twitter post seen by Pindula News, PTUZ said civil servants cannot afford the houses. Read the post:
<blockquote>
We prefer to see housing projects that civil servants can afford. Fountain Ridge is a housing project for the diaspora. What crime did we commit to be sidelined continuously like this? 
</blockquote>
The houses are being constructed under the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1)’s Social development pillar which focuses on improving access to basic social services.
The government targets to build 220 000 housing units by 2025 by partnering with the private sector. 
FBC says the whole project factors in modern trends in housing development in line with global standards such as Wi-Fi connectivity, in addition to the usually required infrastructure.
Each unit will also have a 5 000-litre water tank and a booster pump.
Civil servants earn less than US$500, therefore, cannot afford the housing units.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

We Prefer Housing Projects Civil Servants Can Afford - PTUZ

The Government has approved a 100% salary increment for civil servants including the members of the security sector.
According to a letter dated 16 March 2023, addressed to the chairman of the Public Service Commission (PSC) by Finance ministry permanent secretary George Guvamatanga, COVID-19 allowances for civil servants have also been increased from US$200 to $250 across sectors excluding the health sector. Part of the letter reads:
<blockquote>
<h2>RE: 2023 REMUNERATION FRAMEWORK FOR THE CIVIL COMMISSIONS, PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE, GRANT GOVERNMENT PENSIONERS</h2>
Reference is made to Treasury minutes A/26/1/8/1 dated 7 March 2023 and 13 March 2023 on the above subject matter.
The purpose of this minute is to provide guidance on the framework for the 2023 compensation review, together with strategies for addressing wage inequalities brought about by prior sector-specific policy decisions.
The approved framework for remuneration reviews takes into account the requirement to continuously enhance the general welfare of public employees while attempting to stay within the budget and respecting the general rule of maintaining wage bills at sustainable levels so as not to compete with other expenditures.
The approved review is as follows and is in accordance with earlier discussions and agreement with the Principals:
<ul>
<li>100% remuneration review to gross ZWL emoluments from Deputy Director and below for all sectors</li>
<li>Reviewing Cushioning and Covid Allowances from US$200 to US$250 across all sectors, excluding health sector</li>
<li>Reviewing Cushioning and Covid Allowance for Government Pensioners from US$90 to US$100</li>
<li>Payment of US$80 teaching allowance to every teacher per month. This is an improvement to the school fees policy which discriminated against those teachers with no biological children</li>
<li>Free Primary school education up to a maximum of 3 children at government schools within the radius and</li>
<li>Introducing a government-funded funeral insurance framework</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
The approved review of 100% remuneration to gross ZWL emoluments from Deputy Director and below for all sectors, takes effect on February 1st, 2023 for the Security Sector and April 1st, 2023 for the Rest of the Civil Service. 
Furthermore, the increase in Cushioning and Covid Allowances from US$200 to US$250 across all sectors, with the exception of the health sector, takes effect on March 1, 2023 for the Security Sector and April 1, 2023 for the Rest of the Civil Service, taking into account March 2023 developments in the security sector.
In accordance with the approval of 100% remuneration review to gross ZWLS emoluments from Deputy Director and below, the salary key scale for the lowest paid worker for the security sector is therefore expected to be 100% of the gross ZWLS emoluments as per the attached schedule annexure 1 for selected grades as of 1 February 2023.
In that regard, the Salary key scale and wage bill should reflect the approved review as illustrated in the attached example for the positions of the lowest paid to Deputy Director equivalent levels across all sectors including Security Sector.
Given that the effective date is February 2023, it is critical to note that the March bills for the security sector included the February back pay for the gross ZWL emoluments from Deputy Director equivalent grades and below.
Furthermore, to avoid similar occurrences in the future, the Salary Service Bureau should implement salary reviews after the requisite salary key scales have been validated by Treasury.
Accordingly, Treasury awaits submission of the salary key scales for respective sectors for approval.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Civil Servants Granted 100% Salary Increment

The Zimbabwe Teachers’ Association (ZIMTA) has expressed outrage after the Government snubbed a National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC) meeting on Monday, 20 March.
Apex Council representatives and officials from the Ministry of Public Service were supposed to meet on 16 March 2023 to discuss civil servants’ salaries.
The meeting was postponed to 20 March but the Government team did not show up for the meeting, a development that has angered teachers.
In a statement released on Monday, ZIMTA demanded that the government should address all teachers’ grievances before the end of this month. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
This statement is an expression of great disappointment in the selective, divisive and iniquitous treatment of teachers that the government has exhibited for the first time in independent Zimbabwe. 
The government has amply demonstrated its dislike for the teaching profession, and the year 2023 goes down in history as the year of evidence of that position. 
Teachers are not only disappointed but also angry, and now prepondering on dumping the goodwill they had for the negotiations.
The 2023 season of negotiations was delayed up to late March with the promise that when negotiations start all will be set for meaningful and life-changing dialogue. 
This procrastination was tolerated with goodwill and hope but has turned out to be the greatest abuse of trust and utmost good faith. 
When the negotiations finally commenced they went on an erratic mode of fits and start and with insignificant and below-expectation awards tabled by Government.
Today, the 20th of March 2023 the negotiators went to the Public Service Commission (PSC) in anticipation of an NJNC meeting after it had been moved from last Thursday 16 March 2023 to this day, Monday 20 March 2023. 
Sadly, we must report that the meeting did not take place as the Government Team did not show up. 
It took a forced meeting to glean the situation from senior officials in the Ministry of Public Services, Labour, and Social Welfare. 
The workers’ negotiating team was advised by these officials that the Government side was seized with the matter and was busy consulting. 
The government side was said to be ready to call for the meeting once their internal consultations were through. (A response that sounds too familiar to believe).
ZIMTA, therefore, does not take lightly the government action as it views this as negotiating in bad faith, smacking of unilateralism that leans on skewed social dialogue legislation.
ZIMTA demands that the employer urgently addresses the looming crisis as its membership is already agitated and feeling disparaged by the employer.
Given that the employer paid other sectors enhanced salaries with effect from this March 2023 and that this month our membership received eroded salaries due to increased service providers’ premiums, inflation tax, etc, with some teachers taking home less than ZWL 5000.00. 
Our membership is left severely handicapped and incapacitated to report for duty.
ZIMTA, therefore, demands that in the interest of social dialogue the employer addresses this looming crisis by resolving all the outstanding demands as a matter of urgency and inside March 2023.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Teachers Express Outrage After Govt Ignores Rescheduled Salary Meeting

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