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and intelligence officers outstanding allowances and benefits to the tune of US$1,5 million.
The labour dispute pitting the commission against the workers opened a Pandora’s box that brought the spotlight on the questionable activities of the anti-graft body amid allegations of corruption and selfishness on the part of the commission.
In papers submitted to the Arbitrator Mr Rodgers Matsikidze in the labour dispute (case number 3740/12) on December 11, 2012 and the 24th of January 2013, the 26 officers made shocking revelations that the powers that be at the commission were content to further their private and personal agendas at the expense of the welfare of the secretariat, some of whom take home as little as US$11 per month.
Arbitrator Mr Rodgers Matsikidze recently ruled that the commission’s human resources section was in shambles and that it was unfairly treating the workers.
The investigators and intelligence officers are poorly paid and they have been operating without properly spelt out conditions of service since 2006.
Poor remuneration for ZACC investigators and intelligence officers has resulted in the bulk of them relying on loans, a development that has seen some getting net salaries as little as US$11 per month after all deductions.
Mr Matsikidze awarded each of the 26 officers between US$53 000 and US$62 000. On Friday, the officers filed their application for registration of the award at the High Court.
It is yet to be determined. March 2013 pay slips show that 11 of the investigators were taking home less than US$100 after deductions with the lowest getting US$11,19.
Five of the officers are getting salaries in the region of US$100 and US$200.
The remaining six are entitled to net salaries between US$210 and US$340.
The investigators that have a huge task of investigating high profile corruption cases involving millions of dollars are languishing in poverty.
In the award dated March 18 2013, Mr Matsikidze urged the commission to take care of the staff saying poor conditions and salaries might tempt them to engage into corrupt activities.
“One wonders how poor officers should ever practice satisfactory work when they are not resourced.
“One of the major drivers of corruption is poverty. If poverty is the driver, how effective is it to send an already poor officer to fight corruption? Certainly, it is sarcastic,” said Mr Matsikidze.
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ZACC spokesperson Dr Goodwill Shana said the situation was exacerbated by the new pension scheme that was recently introduced by the commission, which saw many employees having up to US$95 each deducted from their March salaries.
“I am aware of the situation. I understand the commission introduced a new pension scheme in November last year and they have not been deducting money for some months. The money was then deducted at once this month a development that saw the bulk of the staffers losing up to US$95 through deductions,” said Dr Shana.
Dr Shana said the salaries were poor but the commission’s hands were tied on the issue.
“We know that salaries are very low and we have always been advocating for improvements in salaries and benefits.
“As the commission, we can only recommend the salary increase but it is not within our powers to effect the increases,” said Dr Shana.
“Like any other commissions, we rely on funding from the treasury. If we are not allocated the required money, there is no way we can raise the salaries.”
Online Reporter