The cash-strapped Zimbabwe government which normally pays its workers before Christmas has failed to do so this year, dampening the mood of some 500,000 civil servants ahead of the festive season.
Only members of the security services have been paid to date.
Despite the government’s financial problems, President Robert Mugabe and his wife Grace this week hosted an end-of-year party for cabinet ministers and top Zanu PF officials at State House in Harare.
The First Family is also expected to soon leave the country for their annual holiday abroad.
Meanwhile, the Public Service Commission (PSC), through a recent circular, announced that the new pay date for state workers has been set for 28th December.
Unions representing the workers complained that the government only paid members of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces.
The administration is also not in a position to pay the bonus 13th cheque and has struggled to pay pensioners on time, constantly shifting their pay date.
In an interview with NewZimbabwe.com, Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) secretary general, Raymond Majongwe, said civil servants only got their December pay slips and not the money.
“Our government is insensitive and most people will not be able to enjoy Christmas with their families,” he said.
“We are not even sure whether the government will be able to pay salaries after Christmas as per their promise. And it’s even worse when it’s come to the payment of 2015 annual bonuses.”
Angry civil servants who spoke to this publication said they could not even plan for Christmas with their families as they have no money.
“We certainly know that our ministers will simply go to CMED, get full fuel and travel to enjoy the festive season with their families when some of us are hungry,” said one civil servants.
“Surprisingly the Head of State President Robert hosted a banquet for Cabinet Ministers and top Zanu PF officials while we sleep on empty stomachs,” added another.
The government needs to raise over $500 million to pay its bloated work force. Treasury officials admit that 80% of the state budget goes to salaries.
Source – NewZimbabwe.com
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