War vets seek earlier promotion at City council

Published: 4 hours ago

Veterans of the liberation struggle employed by the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) have petitioned the local authority to make their recently approved promotions effective from January 2025, rather than six months before retirement.

The council last month resolved to grant the veterans a one-grade promotion in recognition of their contributions to Zimbabwe's liberation. However, the promotion was initially scheduled to take effect only six months before retirement, currently set at age 70.

In a confidential report, veterans' representatives argued that delaying the promotion could prevent some from fully benefiting, particularly considering the advanced age of many beneficiaries. They requested that the promotion be both monetary and result in a physical upward movement in grade, not merely a financial adjustment.

"While we appreciate the council decision that the one-grade promotion should come six months towards retirement to benefit mostly in terms of pension pay-outs, we humbly appeal for the promotion to be effective from 1 January 2025 until retirement," the report reads.

The report also highlighted that other government institutions, including the Harare City Council and the Zimbabwe National Army, now allow war veterans to benefit from promotions for the entire length of service, rather than just shortly before retirement.

Budgetary implications have been outlined, showing that 30 identified veterans will collectively earn ZWG1.1 million (US$41,030) per month after the promotions. Among them, Town Clerk Christopher Dube, a retired Major from the Zimbabwe National Army, will receive the largest portion, ZWG270,212 (US$10,012) monthly, which could amount to ZWG16.2 million (US$600,760) over five years.

Other prominent beneficiaries include Zanu-PF Politburo member Cde Elphas Tshuma and Moratiwa Valentine Gazi, a survivor of the Mkushi bombing of 19 October 1978 in Zambia.

The council is reportedly considering the request, with budgetary provisions expected to be made to absorb the anticipated costs.
- Sunday News

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