adminPamela Shumba Chronicle Reporter
CIVIL servants yesterday applauded Zanu-PF for showing commitment to improving their welfare following a resolution at a Politburo meeting on Thursday that the lowest paid public sector worker will be paid a minimum of $540 up from $297.
The increase is expected in January next year after the presentation of the national budget in December and the Government workers are also expected to get “a token increment”, which President Mugabe promised before the end of the year.
Speaking in separate interviews yesterday, civil servants’ representatives called on the Government to honour the promise, saying it would solve a number of problematic issues in the civil service.
The Zimbabwe Teachers’ Association (Zimta) chief executive officer, Mr Sifiso Ndlovu, commended Zanu-PF for its continued determination.
“We are happy with the promise and would like to congratulate Zanu-PF for paying attention to our concerns. We are seeing political determination and we expect to see financial determination from the Government,” said Mr Ndlovu.
“The most important thing now is for the Government to find ways of how to make the promised money available.”
Mr Ndlovu added:
“Once the money comes, there will be no reason for schools to demand incentives for teachers. The increment will also be a contributory factor to the motivation of civil servants.
“The Poverty Datum Line (PDL) is an ideal start but the ideal level of remuneration also includes provision of houses and mortgage loans, which we will continue negotiating for.”
Mr Ndlovu said it was also important to include private capital in developing the civil service, especially the education sector, to complement Government efforts.
Mr David Dzatsunga, Apex Council president, said they would be happy if the Government pronounced its commitment to the salary increase.
“We appreciate that Zanu-PF continues to drum up its concerns on the remuneration of civil servants. We would be happier if the Government pronounced its commitment too,” he said.
The Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) secretary-general, Mr Raymond Majongwe, echoed the same sentiments, saying they were happy with the progress.
“We are happy with the promise and I think it is a positive move. It is an indication that there is willingness on the part of the Government.
“We will continue to negotiate for improved non-monetary incentives such as housing. As civil servants, we are not worried about who governs the country, but what the Government does for us,” said Mr Majongwe.
He said the new Zanu-PF Government was guaranteed of eternal rule as long as it prioritises the concerns of its selfless and dedicated workers.
Early this year, the Government awarded its workers about five percent salary increment but the impact was not significant given the low salaries.
Poor salaries have been blamed for low morale in the Public Service, which has resulted in many of the workers failing to perform to expectations.
President Mugabe has indicated on different platforms that the new Zanu-PF Government prioritises the welfare and conditions of service of civil servants and would improve them.
Online Reporter