Source: Civil servants start Receiving reviewed salaries – herald
Theseus Shambare
CIVIL SERVANTS are set to begin receiving their revised salaries starting Tuesday, with uniformed forces expected to be the first to benefit as the Government begins implementing the new remuneration structure.
The development marks a significant step in ongoing efforts to improve the welfare of public sector workers, especially coming at a time when broader economic measures, including the strengthening of the local currency, Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG), are being implemented to enhance stability.
Over the past eight years, the Government has also introduced a raft of non-monetary incentives that cover procurement of vehicles for members of the public service, as well as provision of affordable housing, among others.
Under the new structure, salaries range from about US$370 for lower grades to nearly US$900 for senior levels, reflecting the Government’s commitment to aligning remuneration with roles, responsibilities and levels of seniority.
Entry-level grades such as A3 will earn between US$370 and US$375, while those in the B band — covering grades B1 to B5 — will receive between US$376 and US$435.
Mid-level employees in the C band will earn from US$463 to US$536, while senior grades under the D band will see salaries ranging from US$724 to US$897 at the top end.
Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Edgar Moyo said the job evaluation underpinning the review is designed to promote fairness and consistency.
“The process ensures alignment of salaries with skills, qualifications and responsibilities across the public service,” he said.
For many civil servants, the adjustment brings a sense of relief.
Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions president Mrs Cecilia Alexander said the move marks an important milestone following recent negotiations.
“Indeed, members of the uniformed forces will be the first to get their new reviewed salaries this weekend. We expect that they will go a long way in improving their welfare,” she said.
“As representatives, we will continue to engage and issue statements as the rollout progresses across the public service so that workers remain informed.”
Despite rising geopolitical tensions, which have resulted in fuel price fluctuations, the union remains committed to constructive engagement.
“We are conscious of the broader global economic environment, but our priority is to ensure that workers are not left exposed,” she said.
Implementation of the new salary structure comes as the Government continues to effect measures to support ZiG, introduced as part of wider monetary reforms aimed at promoting currency stability and restoring confidence in the domestic economy.
The authorities have maintained that the blended salary structure — combining a United States dollar component with a ZiG portion indexed to the prevailing exchange rate — is designed to cushion workers, while supporting long-term macro-economic stability.
Market watchers say while cost pressures such as fuel prices remain an important factor in household budgets, ongoing policy interventions are expected to gradually bring greater predictability to the market.
Beyond salaries, the Government is rolling out a broad package of non-monetary incentives and social protection measures for civil servants.
Eligible public sector workers continue to benefit from the vehicle rebate scheme, which allows imports at reduced or duty-free rates under stipulated conditions.
The facility, mainly for long-serving staff based on grade, is aimed at improving mobility, efficiency and retention, particularly in remote postings.
The Government also continues to support workers through subsidised bus transport, cushioning thousands from rising commuting costs while improving punctuality and productivity.
Broader welfare reforms include strengthened access to public sector medical aid schemes and other integrated social support systems linked to service delivery.
Further, housing remains a central pillar of the wider welfare framework.
A teacher from Chitungwiza, Mrs Rudo Moyo, said she had previously benefitted from the civil servants’ vehicle rebate scheme, which significantly eased her transport challenges.
“I was able to access the vehicle rebate facility, and it really made a difference for me. It reduced the burden of transport costs and made travelling to work more reliable,” she said.
She said the revised salary structure brings renewed hope, particularly in terms of purchasing power.
“What we are now hoping for is that the new salary will hold real value. If prices remain stable, then this adjustment can genuinely improve our buying power and help us manage basic needs better,” she said.
Stable prices
Speaking at a dialogue on geopolitical risks hosted by a regional economic think tank, Africa Economic Development Strategies (AEDS), in the capital on Thursday, Industry and Commerce Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu said most businesses, including those in the logistics-heavy sector, had absorbed the rising costs and not passed them on to consumers.
Minister Ndlovu highlighted that the Government’s monitoring of a 14-product “basic basket” shows minimal price movement across the board.
“Most of these increases have been absorbed; prices have remained relatively the same,” he said.
Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube said the thrust is to safeguard workers’ earnings.
“Our focus is to protect the purchasing power of civil servants and ensure that their earnings are not eroded by inflationary pressures,” he said last week.
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