Online Reporter
Remember Deketeke, Correspondent
CIVIL servants will today start receiving the first half of the US$150 Special Presidential Bonus, in addition to their regular annual bonuses and salaries, courtesy of President Mnangagwa’s commitment to improving the welfare of Government employees.
The Special Presidential Bonus, introduced under the Second Republic, will be disbursed in two batches of US$75, the first starting today for the security sector, while others will be paid starting next week.
The split arrangement is designed to ease pressure on the banking system, minimise long queues and ensure smooth cash flow management across the public sector.
In October, Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Edgar Moyo announced the bonus following a National Joint Negotiating Council meeting, confirming that civil servants would receive a total of US$150 under the Special Presidential Bonus scheme.
Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions chairperson, Mrs Cecilia Alexander, yesterday commended the gesture, describing it as a reflection of President Mnangagwa’s dedication to workers’ welfare.
“We are very excited by this good gesture from His Excellency, President Mnangagwa, for awarding the Special Presidential Bonus to civil servants, which comes as an addition to what we are already receiving,” she said.
“This demonstrates his appreciation for our hard work and commitment to public service. We are grateful for his leadership and for prioritising our welfare.”
She added that the bonus would go a long way in helping workers plan for the festive season.
“As everyone knows, budgeting during the festive season is always difficult, and I believe this Special Presidential Bonus will make it easier for us to plan for the holidays and beyond,” said Mrs Alexander.
For many civil servants, the bonus could not have come at a better time.
Zimbabwe National union of School Heads secretary-general, Mr Munyaradzi Majoni, said teachers welcomed the initiative.
“As teachers, we appreciate anything that goes beyond the basic package we normally receive, and this Special Presidential Bonus is a welcome move that helps uplift the living standards of all civil servants,” he said.
He also appealed for continued review of salaries to further improve the livelihoods of public workers.
Mrs Blessing Mudondiro, a teacher from Mt Darwin, said the double bonus would help her meet school-related expenses for her family.
“I am very happy that we are getting both bonuses. It will really cushion us, especially now that I have to pay school fees and buy uniforms for my brother and sister who just finished their Grade Seven exams,” she said.
“With the eMAP (Electronic Ministry Application Platform) now open, I need to be ready for Form One enrolment.”
