Theseus Mauruki Shambare
CIVIL servants have started receiving their 2026 annual bonuses, with workers in the security sector among the first beneficiaries, bringing relief and renewed spending power to households ahead of the festive season.
The payments, which started on Thursday, saw some workers visiting banks on Friday and yesterday to access their money, with civil servants welcoming the arrival of their 13th cheque.
The Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions (ZCPSTU) has commended Government for honouring its commitment to pay the bonuses in two instalments, describing the development as a positive demonstration of constructive social dialogue.
In an interview, ZCPSTU president, Ms Cecilia Alexander Khowa, said Government had fulfilled the undertaking reached with workers’ representatives at the National Joint Negotiating Committee (NJNC).
“We are pleased to note that Government has honoured this undertaking, demonstrating the importance of constructive engagement, mutual respect and adherence to agreements reached through collective bargaining,” she said.
Ms Khowa said the bonus was an important component of workers’ financial planning, particularly amid economic challenges and the rising cost of living.
“For civil servants, this payment provides some relief and an opportunity to meet pressing family and household obligations,” she said.
Ms Khowa said the fulfilment of the bonus agreement should not overshadow outstanding concerns affecting public sector workers, particularly remuneration and working conditions.
“We wish to emphasise that our recognition of this positive development does not diminish the outstanding issues affecting public sector workers,” she said.
“These include the need for improved remuneration, the implementation of the Fair Wage Principle, adequate social security, decent working conditions and the protection of workers’ rights.”
Ms Khowa urged Government to sustain the spirit of engagement and ensure that future agreements reached at the NJNC were respected and implemented within agreed timelines.
Some workers welcomed the payments, but expressed a preference for receiving their bonuses in one instalment, saying this would provide greater financial flexibility for major purchases and investments.
A police officer said while receiving the 13th cheque was welcome, splitting the payment limited their ability to undertake bigger financial projects.
“We are happy about getting our 13th cheque. However, we would have wanted Government to make the payment once instead of splitting it,” he said.
“We would want to make some big purchases or invest in some projects, so having the larger chunk of your money at once can give you that opportunity.”
Another police officer described the annual bonus as an important benefit of public sector employment, particularly against the backdrop of prevailing economic challenges.
“It is a blessing to be a Government worker. You are assured of your 13th cheque despite the situation,” the officer said.
For workers in other sectors, news that their colleagues in the security services had started receiving their bonuses brought anticipation and optimism.
Chiedza Mutandadzi, a teacher from Madziwa, said they were looking forward to receiving their payments.
“We are expecting it, but hearing that the security sector has been paid gives us happiness because we know that we are next,” she said.
Under the payment arrangements announced by the NJNC following its November 2 meeting at Kaguvi Building in Harare, civil servants are receiving their 2026 annual bonuses in two equal instalments, with 50 percent payable in November and the remaining 50 percent in December.
Bonuses for civil servants in Grades A to D are calculated at 100 percent of pensionable emoluments, comprising basic salary, in-service allowance and administration allowance.
The staggered arrangement is consistent with a fiscal management approach Treasury has previously employed to spread bonus obligations across different monthly revenue cycles, easing immediate pressure on Government cash flows.
Splitting payments can also moderate the pace at which additional liquidity enters the economy during the festive season, helping to manage potential inflationary and exchange rate pressures.
Treasury has used similar arrangements in previous years, since the 2024 bonus cycle.
Meanwhile, Government has approved a flat cushioning allowance for pensioners, payable in December 2026.
Finance Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube had earlier assured civil servants that Government remained committed to meeting its annual bonus obligations.
Chiefs will also get bonuses in recognition of their role in communities.
