HARARE – The government has announced a surprise US$150 “Special Presidential Bonus” for all civil servants, coming on the eve of planned protests being spearheaded by exiled war veteran Blessed Geza.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Edgar Moyo said the once-off bonus will be paid in two equal instalments of US$75 each in November and December 2025, on top of the regular annual bonus and monthly salaries.
Moyo said the measure was part of government’s “ongoing efforts to build a motivated and productive public service,” adding that it recognises “dedicated service” by state employees during a difficult economic period.
The move comes as discontent has been growing among public workers over stagnant salaries and rising living costs, with some unions warning that morale in the civil service has reached crisis levels.
According to the statement, the government will also implement a Job Evaluation Remuneration Framework in the first quarter of 2026, aimed at aligning pay structures with job responsibilities.
In addition, the civil servants’ vehicle rebate scheme will be fully restored to 2022 benefit levels with effect from 1 December 2025, while the Premier Service Medical Aid Society (PSMAS) will be recapitalised to improve access to healthcare.
As part of non-monetary benefits, Moyo said 26,000 housing stands have been identified for civil servants — 20,000 in Harare and 6,000 in Bulawayo — with more planned for other regions.
“These measures reaffirm Government’s dedication to uplifting the welfare of its workers and pensioners,” the minister said.
The timing of the announcement has drawn attention, coming just a day before Geza’s “Million Citizens March”, a protest campaign calling for the removal of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government.
Geza, a former Zanu PF central committee member now living in exile, has urged citizens to take to the streets on October 17, accusing Mnangagwa of paying lip service to corruption by his allies.
The post Mnangagwa dangles surprise US$150 bonus for civil servants ahead of planned protests first appeared on The Zimbabwe Mail.