The Public Service Commission (PSC) has begun implementing regulations to extend the retirement age for civil servants and uniformed personnel from 65 to 70 years, reported <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/govt-starts-implementing-new-retirement-age/">The Herald</a>.
This change follows concerns from government workers, particularly teachers, about the delay in enacting the new law.
Statutory Instrument 197 of 2024, known as the Public Service (Amendment) Regulations, 2024 (No. 3), was published on December 30, 2024.
The regulation states that for public service employees appointed before the effective date, the pensionable age is 65 years, with the option to retire at 70 years with a full pension.
For those appointed on or after the effective date, the pensionable age is set at 70 years.
Despite this, some employees, particularly teachers, have been asked to retire, even if they had expressed a desire to extend their retirement age to 70.
Some teachers have also faced eviction from school quarters as headmasters instructed them to retire, arguing that they had not received a circular formally allowing the extension.
In an interview with The Herald on Wednesday, Moses Mhike, Permanent Secretary for Primary and Secondary Education, said that the implementation of the regulations had been delayed due to factors involving the PSC. Said Mhike:
<blockquote>
We got a circular yesterday from PSC and we have started sharing it with our structures. Yes PSC had delayed issuing the circular to guide Line Ministries.
</blockquote>
Justice, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi said that the decision to extend the retirement age was aimed at utilising the skills and experience of individuals who have reached 65.
He also said the extension reflects the country’s rising life expectancy, with middle-aged adults now living into their 80s.

Pindula News

The government is extending the retirement age for teachers and civil servants from 65 to 70 years. Some teachers have been asked to retire before they turn 70, even if they want to work longer. This change is meant to keep experienced workers in their jobs for longer. The delay in implementing the new law caused confusion and uncertainty for many employees. The government hopes the new retirement age will make use of workers' skills and experience as people live longer.

Teachers And Civil Servants Face Uncertainty Over Retirement Age Extension

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

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

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has made appointments to the Public Service Commission (PSC) and the Zimbabwe Land Commission (ZLC), which come into effect this Monday, June 24.
Secretary to the PSC, Tsitsi Choruma, was appointed a ZLC commissioner. Sibusisiwe Zembe, nee Nyoni, replaced Choruma.
The appointments were announced by the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Martin Rushwaya on Saturday. He said:
<blockquote>
In terms of subsection (1) of Section 10 of the Public Service Act (Chapter 16:04), Sibusisiwe Zembe (nee) Nyoni has been appointed Secretary to the Public Service Commission with effect from Monday, 24 June 2024.
</blockquote>
In a separate statement, Rushwaya confirmed Choruma’s redeployment. He said:
<blockquote>
In terms of subsection (1) (b) of Section 296 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, His Excellency the President, Cde Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, has appointed Dr Tsitsi Rosemary Choruma a commissioner of the Zimbabwe Land Commission, with effect from Monday, 24 June 2024.
</blockquote>
Choruma has been with the Public Service Commission since 2022.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Sibusisiwe Zembe Named As Public Service Commission Secretary

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

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

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

Civil Servants To Pay Pension Contributions In Foreign Currency

The government has transferred lecturers and non-lecturing staff at technical and teachers’ colleges from the Public Service Commission (PSC) to the Tertiary Education Service Council (TESC).
In a circular to teacher training colleges and polytechnic principals dated 12 July 2023, TESC said the transfer was effected in terms of section 72(2) and (3) of the Manpower Planning and Development Act (Chapter 28:02). TESC said:
<blockquote>
Reference is made to the PSC’s Minute A/28/44 dated June 23, 2023, regarding the subject matter. In this regard, PSC transferred all members employed in technical, vocal and teachers colleges to the TESC with effect from June 23.
Members who had exercised their right not to join the TESC were automatically and by operation of law transferred to the council.
If there are members who are averse to the transfer, principals should secure written submissions and send the submissions to the Tertiary Education Council Secretariat no later than July 31.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, polytechnic employees who spoke to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200014113/govt-transfers-tertiary-education-staff-from-psc">NewsDay</a> said that they feared that their working conditions will be worse under the council.
A non-lecturing employee was quoted as saying that they preferred working under PSC as it provided job security instead of “being forced to join” a “trial and error arrangement led by retired people.”
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Govt Transfers College Staff From PSC To Tertiary Education Service Council

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

The Public Service Commission (PSC) says it has zero tolerance for corruption. In a statement issued on 15 March 2023, the PSC announced the official steps to follow for Online Registration for employment in public service. Read the statement below:
<blockquote>
The Public Service Commission is the employer of Public Servants in Zimbabwe, whose core values include professionalism and high ethical behavior underpinned by the principle of meritocracy as espoused in Section 194 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe. This is the foundation of our Corporate Culture which is subscribed by our workers.
In this regard, the Commission wishes to advise members of the Public Service, Pensioners and in particular the wonderful citizens of this country in general that:-
<ul>
<li>The Commission has a standing policy of zero tolerance for corruption;</li>
<li>Jobs in Public Service are not, and have never been, for sale;</li>
<li>The Commission does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, appointment, training or other human resources process);</li>
<li>Should there be anyone out there who has ever been approached by someone to pay money at any stage, allegedly to facilitate any Human Resource process, Public Services or release of pension money, they should come forward and report this activity;</li>
<li>The Commission makes use of external job adverts which are widely published, internal job adverts circulated to all Ministries, Departments and Agencies, as well as Online Registration system for prospective job candidates.</li>
</ul>
Please find below the official approved steps to follow for Online Registration for employment in public service;-
<h2>STEP 1</h2>
Go to: https://zimeservices.pfms.gov.zw
<h2>STEP 2</h2>
On the page that opens, go to How to apply then select the Click Here to register option and a form opens up for you to complete. Fill in the form and submit.
Once registered you will be assigned a unique registration number which will be sent to you via SMS or email.
<h2>STEP 3</h2>
Return to the main page and select Zimbabwean Citizen Log in. Those already registered must also select Zimbabwean Citizens Log in.
<h2>STEP 4</h2>
Once logged in, locate the Public Service Commission section. Take note of the various document attachments required and ensure that they are readily available to successfully make your application.
<h2>STEP 5</h2>
Select the Advert Response option
If you are responding to an advert or the New Candidate option
If that is what applies
<h2>STEP 6</h2>
You will get confirmation that your advert response application has been registered
successfully
The Public Service Commission wishes to advise the public and all Government employees not to engage in any form of bribes or solicitation in cash or kind and to report any such practices by anyone to the platforms indicated below.
Facebook: Zimbabwe Public Service Commission
YouTube: PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION ZIMBABWE
Twitter: Public Service Commission Zimbabwe
Google Play: Download the PSC-ZIM App
Instagram: Public Service Commission – Zim
WhatsApp: 263-788584848
Email: feedback@psc.ov.zw or recruitment@psc.go
LinkedIn: Public Service Commission Zimbabwe
Website: www.psc.gov.zw
Phone: 263-242-793936; 263-242-700882; 262-242-700884
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Here Is How To Apply For Employment In Public Service

The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has reiterated its demand for the restoration of teachers’ pre-October 2018 salaries of US$540.00.
In a letter dated 9 January 2022 addressed to the Public Service Commission (PSC), ARTUZ Secretary General Robson Chere said a meeting between the Commission and teacher unions should be convened to address teachers’ incapacitation. Wrote Chere:
<blockquote>
We write to remind you that the incapacitation of teachers remains unaddressed and is an obstacle to the efficient discharge of duties by teachers.
As the schools open this January of 2023, Our members have advised us to engage you on the need to restore the salaries to pre-October 2018 figures of USD $540.
As a Trade Union, we are also passionate about the development of the Education sector in our country and we are alarmed by the continued prejudice of learners who continue to suffer, as long as this matter remains unaddressed.
Even the development of our nation is being compromised as each year students with potential do not get the best from their teachers.
We implore your office to give this matter the urgency it deserves.
We reiterate our call for a legitimate conversation between yourselves and bona fide workers’ representatives from the education sector.
</blockquote>

Rural Teachers Write To PSC, Reiterate Demand For Restoration Of US$540 Salaries

The government Friday met with workers’ representatives over salaries and the meeting was adjourned with the two parties not agreeing on the way forward. We present below the government’s press statement that followed the meeting.
<blockquote>COMMENCEMENT OF NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN GOVERNMENT AND WORKERS’ REPRESENTATIVES IN THE NATIONAL JOINT NEGOTIATING COUNCIL (NJNC)
Negotiations between Government and its workforce began in earnest and in a cordial and constructive atmosphere this afternoon as the Government team and workers’ representatives exchanged notes on a Cost of Living Adjustment and on other matters relating to the welfare of civil servants.
The meeting adjourned in the late afternoon to facilitate consultations, and it is expected that the talks will resume as early as next week. 
The Secretary Ambassador J. Wutawunashe Public Service Commission</blockquote>

FULL TEXT: Outcome Of The Govt-Workers' Meeting

Sabastian Marume of Zimbabwe Manpower Development Fund (ZIMDEF) is said to be getting 2 salaries from the government one from ZIMDEF and another one from Public Service Commission (PSC), Zim Morning Post reports.
Marume was reportedly employed by the Tertiary Education Ministry as the quality assurance and standards director while also serving as the acting CEO in the ministry from 2018 to January 2020.
According to the publication, Marume was later on promoted to substantive ZIMDEF CEO but he continued to receive 2 salaries, one from ZIMDEF and another one from the Ministry where he was a director before his promotion:
<blockquote> …Marume was later promoted to the position of substantive CEO in January 2020 but has continued to receive the two salaries.</blockquote>
Speaking to the publication, Marume blamed the anomaly on the ZIMDEF HR department and confirmed he is indeed pocketing 2 salaries and said:
<blockquote>I was appointed substantive CEO in February after serving in an acting capacity since 2018 and was receiving my allowances from ZIMDEF and at the same time getting my salary from the ministry,</blockquote>
Marume, however, pointed out that the error was being corrected, and PSC was in the process of changing his employment status but was being delayed by the COVID-19 lockdown.
More: <a href="https://zimmorningpost.com/zimdef-fresh-scandal-ceo-in-corruption-storm/">Zim Morning Post</a>

ZIMDEF CEO Getting 2 Salaries From The Government  – Report

The Public Service Commission (PSC) has directed ministries to reduce the number of workers reporting for duty to just 15% of the total workforce to curb the spread of coronavirus at workplaces.
This entails that only 15 per cent of staff, except for units providing essential services who will have higher percentages of staff on duty, will be at work while the rest will remain at home.
Those who will remain at home have been ordered to be on standby, remain in the towns and cities they are employed and be ready to be called in to provide help if the 15 per cent of staff on duty is overwhelmed. PSC Secretary Ambassador Jonathan Wutawunashe said:
<blockquote>We want 15 per cent of the public service to be at their respective workplaces. We want to decongest the workplaces.
Others will be on call and might be told to report for duty if those at work are overwhelmed or need to rest.
It is not every ministry where it is possible, where there are essential services that you cannot manage with 15 per cent but those are exceptions.</blockquote>
The PSC employs approximately 300 000 people, so about 45 000 civil servants have been recommended to report for work.

Govt Orders 75 Percent Of Civil Servants To Stay At Home

Senior pensioners have claimed that their allowances have not been increased while those on the lower level had theirs increased in March and backdated to January.
A senior pensioner who spoke to Zim Morning Post on condition of anonymity said other government pensioners got their respective pension allowance increases way back in March. The senior pensioner added:
<blockquote>It is six months now, and we haven’t received what is due to us.
As senior government pensioners, we also suffer the same economic hardships that all ordinary citizens are exposed to</blockquote>
The senior pensioner also expressed concern over uncertainty on whether the government will pay them the money they are owed or not.
This comes when the government is scheduled to meet with workers who are demanding salaries as stated in the contracts they signed for in 2018.
Government pension allowances are determined by periodic salary reviews of those still serving in government and if the government agrees to increase current workers’ salaries, it means the government would need a deep pocket to make sure pensioners catch up with others.
More: <a href="https://zimmorningpost.com/psc-dumps-senior-pensioners-group-goes-without-allowance-increments-since-january/">Zim Morning Post</a>

"It's Six Months Now, And We Haven’t Received What Is Due To Us." - Senior Pensioners Lament

The Public Service Commission issued a statement saying that 10 200 teachers who participated in a strike called for by the Zimbabwe Teachers Union (ZIMTA) and The Progressive Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) will forfeit some their leave days.
The Commission said that it is treating the concerned teachers as first offenders and warned of severe punishment if they commit the same offence. Below is the full statement issued by the Commission:
<img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-80401 size-full" decoding="async" height="1024" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px" src="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/apex-council.jpg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/apex-council.jpg 576w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/apex-council-169x300.jpg 169w" width="576"/>

FULL TEXT: PSC To Deduct Leave Days Of Striking Teachers

Several teachers’ unions on February 15 wrote to the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education requesting an urgent crisis meeting with the public service and other relevant government offices.
The letter reads as follows:
<blockquote>We wrote to remind your honourable office of a meeting between the Public Service Commission and the Education Sector which was promised during the last meeting of 10 February, between Ministry and Teachers’ Unions.
We, therefore, write to request the said meeting which aims to discuss and resolve on Sector Specific demands and other issues affecting the sector.
We would highly appreciate if you can revert to us on the appropriate date and time for the meeting.
Your cooperation in this regard will be appreciated.</blockquote>
The letter was signed by The Zimbabwe Teachers’ Unions (ZIMTA), Progressive Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ), and the Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (TUZ), among other unions.

Teachers' Unions Request Urgent Crisis Meeting With Govt

The government on Thursday warned striking teachers that their salaries will be deducted for not repoerting for duty.
Teachers’ unions called for a nationwide strike starting on Febraury 5. On Thursday, the PTUZ and ZIMTA issued a joint statement where they called on their members to intensify the strike on Febraury 8.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Public Service Commission (PSC) chairman, Dr Vincent Hungwe said:
<blockquote>The commission has been made aware of isolated cases of abscondment by a minority of teachers at specific schools across some districts and provinces of the country.
Accordingly and in keeping with the applicable regulations, the commission advises members that unauthorised non-attendance at workstations will result in corresponding deductions from the salaries of the offending individuals on the basis of the principle “No Work, No pay.
Incidents in any form of intimidation or coercion to withdraw labour should be reported to law enforcement authorities.</blockquote>
<h4>Related:</h4>
<ul>
<li class="entry-title">
<h4><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/02/07/full-text-zctu-defiant-calls-on-workers-and-citizens-to-be-undeterred-by-government-clampdown/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">FULL TEXT: ZCTU Defiant, Calls On Workers And Citizens To Be Undeterred By Government Clampdown</a></h4>
</li>
</ul>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/just-in-no-work-no-pay-for-striking-teachers/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The Herald</a></h4>

Govt Says 'No Work, No Pay' To Teachers On Strike

The Public Service Commission (PSC) revealed that the country has close to 20 000 unemployed trained teachers, some of whom graduated 6 years ago.
In a statement released on Monday, PSC chairman Vincent Hungwe said that the Commission will consider exporting teachers to regional countries. He said:
<blockquote>Concurrent with the foregoing the attention of the Commission has been drawn to the plight of 19993 teachers who completed their training some as far back as 2012 but not yet been placed in teaching positions.
Accordingly, the government in partnership with the Commission is exploring several initiatives to create opportunities for the teachers who are not absorbed under the recruitment exercise to be placed in schools when national budgetary resources permit.
… Government and the Commission are also exploring opportunities to place the teachers in SADC member states and other regions through mutually beneficial bilateral and multilateral arrangements.</blockquote>
The government has over the years frozen the recruitment of teachers citing budgetary constraints. The recent Transitional Stabilisation Plan announced by Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube which is premised on austerity has made the situation even worse.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/zimbabwe-has-20000-jobless-teachers-officials/">Newzimbabwe.com</a></h4>

Govt Plans To Export Trained Teachers As Close To 20 000 Are Jobless

In a statement, Public Service Commission Chairman Dr Vincent Hungwe said the civil service was expected to be fully functional today.
Hungwe said schools and other public service departments were required to commence work today. Said Hungwe:
<blockquote>Government wishes to appreciate the commitment shown by civil servants who have continued to report for duty despite the obstacles they encountered during the past few days.The Government is gratified by the improvement in attendance by civil servants at their work stations. All Government work places, including schools, are required to be fully functional tomorrow 17 January 2019 (today), with all personnel reporting for duty by the prescribed times. Public Service Commission buses, which transported personnel to work this morning (yesterday) and will ply their normal routes at the end of the workday, will ferry civil servants to and from work at the designated pick-up and drop-off points at the usual times</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/government-orders-workers-back-to-work/">Chronicle</a>

Govt Orders Civil Servants To Return To Work

The Public Service Commission (PSC) said civil servants who are set to benefit from the Government’s $60 million non-monetary incentive scheme should move into their new houses by April next year.
In an interview yesterday after touring the three sites for the housing units, Public Service Commission chairperson Dr Vincent Hungwe said the first housing site was at Knockmalloch along Harare-Bulawayo Road in Norton. There are two other sites in Glaudina and Dzivaresekwa in Harare. The Knockmalloch site will have 260 houses out of 600 units, Dzivaresekwa (262) and Glaudina (270). Said Hungwe:
<blockquote>The land in Norton has been serviced and the beneficiaries have been identified. It is expected that come the end of the first quarter of 2019, the beneficiaries will be moving into their properties. The second project here in Harare is the Glaudina one. The units are being built and there are about 270 for civil servants. Here in Dzivarasekwa, we have been informed that there are 600 units and 220 of them will accommodate civil servants.</blockquote>
He said those who are not civil servants can still accommodation with single bedroom units going for $18 000.
More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/civil-servants-houses-near-completion/">Chronicle</a>

Civil Servants Expected To Move Into New Houses By April 2019

In a statement the Public Service Commission (PSC) said it has started the process retrenching 3,384 youth officers. In his 2019 budget, Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube pledged to lay them off by December. He said retrenching the youth officers will save $13.8 million.
We publish the full statement below:
<blockquote>
1.0 In line with the Transitional Stabilisation Programme (TSP) and as pronounced in the 2019 Budget Statement by the Honourable Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Government is implementing Civil Service Reforms targeted to change existing orientation, structure, functioning, temperament, performance, efficiency and ethical base for the Civil Service.
2.0 A number of measures are earmarked for implementation and these include right-sizing, reassignment and restructuring of the Civil Service in order to respond to the new ethos as espoused in Vision 2030, TSP and Devolution Agenda.
3.0 In the first phase of implementing Civil Service Reforms, Government has since initiated the process of retiring 3 384 Youth Officers in the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation, and redirecting their energies to activities that have the potential to greatly improve their livelihoods. The main criterion being used to retire the Youth Officers is based on whether the members possess the requisite qualifications to be engaged as public officers.
4.0 The affected Youth Officers will receive their full retirement benefits in line with Public Service Statutes and these will be communicated to the affected individuals.
5.0 In order to enable the affected members to remain productive outside the Public Service, information on empowerment opportunities will be made available to those interested, particularly in view of the prompt disbursement of their benefits upon retirement.
6.0 Some of the Government empowerment options available include provision of skills at vocational training centres, access to finance, business mentorship and incubation services. The options will be demand driven.
7.0 Those interested should register through the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation District Offices.</blockquote>

Govt Starts Retrenching "Green Bombers"

In a statement to The Herald, Public Service Commission secretary Ambassador Jonathan Wutawunashe said Government will soon invite worker representatives to an urgent meeting to discuss the conditions of service and welfare of members of the civil service.
The statement follows a consultative meeting of the National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC) held on Thursday. Said Wutawunashe:
<blockquote>The workers presented a set of matters for discussion and Government recognises these and commits itself to consultations on an ongoing basis to address them. The National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC) forum has assisted in creating industrial harmony in the civil service and Government places great importance on this process. Accordingly, the Government will, shortly, send letters of invitation to the worker representatives to this special meeting as a matter of urgency. Aware of the challenges that workers are facing as a result of a number of price distortions arising from the bordering on criminal activities, Government has set in motion a process to convene a special meeting with the worker representatives.</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/govt-civil-servants-to-meet/">Herald</a>

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