Civil servants across Zimbabwe are set to begin receiving the first half of the US$150 Special Presidential Bonus today, a gesture that comes in addition to their regular annual bonuses and salaries - all part of President Emmerson Mnangagwa's efforts to improve public sector welfare.
The Special Presidential Bonus, introduced under the Second Republic, will be paid in two batches of US$75 each. The first batch, covering the security sector, will be disbursed starting today, while other government departments will begin receiving their payments next week.
Officials say the staggered payment plan is designed to ease pressure on the banking system, avoid long queues, and ensure smooth cash flow management across government payrolls.
In October, Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Edgar Moyo confirmed the payment following a National Joint Negotiating Council meeting, saying civil servants would each receive US$150 under the scheme.
Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions (ZCPSTU) chairperson Mrs Cecilia Alexander yesterday hailed the initiative, describing it as a sign of President Mnangagwa's dedication to improving the lives of public servants.
"We are very excited by this good gesture from His Excellency, President Mnangagwa," she said.
"This demonstrates his appreciation of our hard work and commitment to public service. We are grateful for his leadership and for prioritising our welfare."
Alexander added that the bonus would provide much-needed relief ahead of the festive season.
"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."
The bonus has been widely welcomed by public sector employees, particularly teachers, who have long called for improved remuneration.
Zimbabwe National Union of School Heads (ZINUSH) secretary-general Mr Munyaradzi Majoni said educators appreciated the gesture, adding that it would boost morale across the public service.
"As teachers, we appreciate anything that goes beyond the basic package we normally receive," he said.
"This Special Presidential Bonus is a welcome move that helps uplift the living standards of all civil servants."
Majoni also urged government to continue reviewing salaries to further enhance workers' livelihoods.
For many families, the timing of the bonus could not be better.
Mrs Blessing Mudondiro, a teacher from Mt Darwin, said the double bonus would ease the financial burden of school-related expenses.
"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 system now open, I need to be ready for Form One enrolment."
The Special Presidential Bonus is part of a broader government effort to boost morale and strengthen the public workforce, as authorities continue to explore additional ways to improve salaries and working conditions for Zimbabwe's civil servants.
- The Herald
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