The Zimbabwe Teachers Association (ZIMTA), the country’s largest teachers’ union, has called on the government to promptly disburse teachers’ salaries and bonuses for November 2024.
This follows the government’s failure to pay the ZiG component of some teachers’ salaries, as well as 50% of their bonuses for the month, without providing any explanation.
While other civil servants and security service personnel received their salaries and bonuses starting from the 15th, many teachers experienced delays in receiving their payments, with some only receiving partial disbursements.
In a statement, ZIMTA said the government’s failure to pay some teachers their November salaries had caused the affected members financial strain. ZIMTA said:
<blockquote>
The omission has caused significant financial hardship and raised serious questions about the fairness, transparency and integrity of the employer’s commitment to honouring contractual obligations.
The ZiG component is a fundamental part of our agreed-upon remuneration package.
Its exclusion from the November 2024 payment constitutes a breach of the terms of employment and breach and an erosion of trust between employees and the employer.
</blockquote>
The union has demanded an explanation for the delayed salary payments to teachers and called for genuine dialogue regarding their welfare concerns. It said:
<blockquote>
While the omission might be explained in administrative and financial terms, the failure to pay what is rightfully ours feels like a devaluation of our efforts, morale and dignity as educators and public servants.
It signals a lack of recognition of the vital services we render to society.
</blockquote>
Over the past two weeks, teachers have expressed discontent over the non-payment of their salaries. However, the Public Service Commission (PSC) has yet to comment on the issue, at least publicly.
The permanent secretary of the Ministry of Finance, George Guvamatanga recently admitted that the government was broke, citing the 43% depreciation of the ZIG, saying this resulted “in a substantial mismatch between revenue inflows, collected in some cases, with a one-month lag and local currency expenditures that immediately adjusted to the new exchange rate, in the process severely constraining fiscal space for the last quarter of 2024.”
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Zimbabwe teachers are not getting their full salaries and bonuses from the government. Some teachers did not get their ZiG component and only got half of their bonuses. This has caused financial problems for many teachers. The union ZIMTA is demanding an explanation and dialogue with the government. Teachers feel undervalued and unappreciated for their hard work. The government blames financial issues for the delay in payments. Teachers are unhappy, but the Public Service Commission has not issued a statement yet. This situation has left teachers feeling worried and uncertain about their finances.

Teachers Left In Limbo As Government Fails To Pay Salaries and Bonuses

Civil servants are urging the government to ensure they receive their full bonuses and not have them staggered like last year. The government recently announced its readiness to pay bonuses, but has not provided details on the payment process, leading to concerns.
The civil servants also want the government to address unresolved issues related to improving their working conditions. The Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions (ZCPSTU) has written to the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/National_Joint_Negotiating_Council_(NJNC)/">National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC)</a> requesting an emergency meeting to discuss the bonus matter. ZCPSTU chairperson <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Cecilia_Alexander/">Cecilia Alexander</a> told <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200019152/civil-servants-restive-over-bonus">NewsDay</a> on Sunday:
<blockquote>
We wrote a letter to the NJNC for an emergency meeting to deliberate on several issues and outstanding matters related to the third quarter. Of course, we are now in the fourth quarter.
In the letter, we identified our proposed agenda. One of them is to discuss the 2023 bonus and modalities. We wrote to NJNC since they are our chief negotiator with the government. We want to appreciate what government is going to pay us.
</blockquote>
<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Obert_Masaraure/">Obert Masaraure</a>, the president of the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Amalgamated_Rural_Teachers_Union_of_Zimbabwe/">Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe</a>, expressed concern that this year’s bonus payment may be staggered. He criticised the government for its lack of transparency and disregard for the welfare of workers, accusing them of prioritising cost-cutting over the well-being of hardworking individuals. He said:
<blockquote>
Now that we are through with the election season, we demand a new governance culture that prioritise the rights and well-being of workers.
We firmly assert that the bonus in 2023 must be paid in a single month without staggered disbursement. The government must ensure that the bonus is provided as a once-off payment to allow teachers to adequately prepare for the festive season.
</blockquote>
The secretary-general of the Educators Union of Zimbabwe, Tapedza Zhou, mentioned that they are awaiting an update from the government regarding their bonuses. He expressed that they have worked hard throughout the year and hope to receive their bonuses, but the payment method remains uncertain.
In recent years, the government has staggered the bonus payments, causing concern among civil servants. The civil servants are demanding a 100% bonus payment in both foreign and local currency. Discussions between the government and civil servant representatives took place last week but failed to reach an agreement on multiple issues, including salary and working conditions.
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Civil Servants Urge Government To Avoid Staggering Bonuses Payments

The Government has assured civil servants that they will get their bonuses for this year.
Civil servants traditionally receive their bonuses in November and December, but the Government has not yet announced the dates the bonuses will be paid.
In an interview with the <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/government-speaks-on-civil-servants-bonuses/">Chronicle</a> on Wednesday on the sidelines of a strategic workshop review in Bulawayo, Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister July Moyo said Government workers will get bonuses this year. He said:
<blockquote>
The bonuses are guaranteed and the Minister of Finance will soon announce the payment dates.
</blockquote>
The workshop was aimed at devising strategies on how the ministry will function in 2024 including crafting Minister Moyo’s performance contract.
Minister Moyo also said Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Mthuli Ncube will soon outline how bonuses will be paid.
Civil servants’ salaries are paid in Zimbabwe dollars and they are also paid a US$300 monthly allowance.
In 2022, the Government staggered the payment of bonuses and the uniformed forces were the first to be paid in November.
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Govt Assures Civil Servants Bonuses Are Guaranteed

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

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

The government has said the payment of bonuses will be with effect from this year, 2022, paid based on individuals’ performance.
The Public Service Commission (PSC) has since issued a circular to line ministries to that effect.
In a letter seen by Pindula News, the permanent secretary of Health and Child Care, Jasper Chimedza urged the senior management in the health sector to ensure that members in the sector are appraised. Reads the letter addressed to The Chief Directors, Provincial Medical Directors, Acting Chief Medical Directors, Directors, and Deputy Directors:
<blockquote>
<h2>PAYMENTS OF ANNUAL BONUSES FOR THE YEAR 2022. </h2>
The above matter refers. 
The Public Service Commission (PSC) has issued a circular notifying of the changed method of payment of bonuses and other performance-related awards in the Civil Service. 
It is advised that with effect from this year, 2022, bonus will ONLY be paid based on performance appraisal reports.
Considering the foregoing, kindly ensure that all members of staff from Deputy director level and below are appraised as per the standard requirements. You will be notified as to when to submit the consolidated performance ratings at the appropriate time.
</blockquote>
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Govt Says Bonus Will ONLY Be Paid Based On Performance Appraisal Reports

The Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Professor Mthuli Ncube has directed local banks to pay civil servants their USD bonuses without charges. This comes after reports that some banks were paying in the local currency. Pindula News presents Ncube’s directive:
<blockquote>
<h2>PAYMENT OF CIVIL SERVANTS BONUS IN FOREIGN CURRENCY</h2>
1. For the better part of the year 2021, Government has been seized with various initiatives to continue to stabilize the economy, contain inflationary pressures, and therefore restore the purchasing power of the local currency, with the primary goal being to increase the domestic and external competitiveness of the economy, save and preserve jobs and livelihoods and limit damage to the economy particularly in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic.
2. Macro fiscal stabilization has been achieved largely through fiscal consolidation and the resultant attainment of both fiscal balance and stabilization of the current account.
3. Government is grateful for. and fully recognises the sacrifice and co-operation of all Zimbabweans in the effort to stabilise the economy, which is now on a firm foundation for growth.
4. To further consolidate gains made in reducing inflation from a peak rate of 875% in July 2020 to less than 55% currently, recognising the cyclical nature of annual price hikes whenever we approach the payment dates for Civil servants’ bonuses, the Government of Zimbabwe decided to pay the 2021 bonuses for all civil servants in foreign currency.
5. As of 30 November 2021, bonus payments in foreign currency have been effected for all civil servants and pensioners through their banks.
6. However, it has come to the attention of the Treasury that some banks are compulsorily liquidating civil servants bonus payments and thereby forcibly paying them in domestic currency.
7. In addition, banks have resorted to making arbitrary charges against the bonus payments with some taking significant portions of the wages in the form of bank charges.
8. Both above practices take away the intended benefits of the Bonus payments and we, therefore, wish to advise as follows: –
a. All civil servants should be allowed to withdraw their bonus payments in full in United States Dollars, subject only to existing daily cash withdrawal limits set by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe. 
b. Such bonus payment amounts are to be made in full without deduction or levy. 
c. Government and banks will agree a structure for bank charges for these specific amounts which charges must be kept to a minimum.
9. In this regard, Government is appealing to the banks for their usual support and cooperation in ensuring that the payment of Civil Servants bonuses is implemented smoothly.
Minister of Finance and Economic Development
 03 December 2021
</blockquote>
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