Civil Servants across Zimbabwe are set to begin receiving their 2025 annual bonuses this Friday, with the first 50 percent to be paid alongside November salaries and the remaining half scheduled for December. The arrangement, confirmed by the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, is part of a broader effort to reward government employees for their dedication and service throughout the year.
Adding to the excitement, civil servants will also receive a Special Presidential Bonus of US$150, a once-off gesture from President Emmerson Mnangagwa in recognition of their continued commitment to national development. Half of this amount will be paid this month, while the balance will follow in December, bringing additional relief to families preparing for the festive season.
Authorities say the decision to stagger payments is designed to ease pressure on the banking system, reduce long queues at financial institutions, and ensure smooth cash flow management across the public sector. The phased approach has become a familiar tradition in recent years, balancing worker welfare with fiscal prudence.
As is customary, the disbursements will begin with members of the security services, followed by workers in the health and education sectors, before cascading to the rest of the civil service. Traditional leaders and their messengers are also included on the bonus list, continuing a policy introduced over the past two years to acknowledge their contribution to community leadership and governance.
The announcement has been warmly received within the public service, with many describing the dual bonus as timely and morale-boosting. Coming at a period when most households are budgeting for the holiday season, the additional income is expected to ease financial pressures and stimulate spending in local markets.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Mr. Simon Masanga, confirmed that all payment modalities had been finalized in collaboration with Treasury following agreements reached under the National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC).
“It was agreed that public workers will be receiving both bonuses, and certainly, it is joy for them,” Mr. Masanga said. “The specific payment arrangements are being handled by Treasury, but one thing is certain — the payments will be made. The Government remains committed to fulfilling its promises to the workforce.”
Masanga emphasized that while Treasury determines the timing of disbursements, the bonus payments are guaranteed, reinforcing government’s pledge to motivate and retain skilled personnel within the public sector.
“Public service workers are definitely going to get their regular bonuses without fail,” he said. “It has become common practice that the bonus is split between November and December, but that decision rests with Treasury based on economic management considerations. One thing for sure, that 13th cheque is coming.”
In October, the Government reaffirmed its commitment to paying the traditional 13th cheque to all civil servants while introducing the Special Presidential Bonus as an additional token of appreciation. The US$150 package forms part of a wider welfare programme aimed at improving living conditions for state employees.
Civil Servants to Receive Double Bonuses as Government Rolls Out 2025 Payouts
The broader plan includes the restoration of the vehicle rebate scheme to 2022 benefit levels starting December 1, 2025, the recapitalisation of the Premier Service Medical Aid Society (PSMAS) to improve access to healthcare, and the allocation of 26,000 housing stands in Harare and Bulawayo to support homeownership among public sector workers.
The initiative has drawn praise from the Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions (ZCPSTU), with chairperson Mrs. Cecilia Alexander commending the move as evidence of President Mnangagwa’s continued focus on worker welfare.
“We extend our sincere gratitude to His Excellency, President Mnangagwa, for awarding the Presidential Bonus to civil servants,” said Mrs. Alexander. “This gesture demonstrates his appreciation for our hard work and dedication to public service. We are truly grateful for his leadership and commitment to improving our welfare.”
For many workers, the bonus comes as a welcome financial boost. Mr. Tendai Muchinarwo, a government employee based in Gweru, said he was eagerly anticipating his payout, although he would have preferred receiving the entire amount at once.
“I can’t wait for the bonuses to be paid,” he said. “Honestly, I wish the payment could come all at once so I could use it to drill a borehole at my home. Water has been a big challenge, and that’s my main priority.”
In Bulawayo, Mrs. Spiwe Nyakonda, a primary school teacher, said the double bonus would ease her family’s expenses ahead of the new school term.
“I’m very happy that we’re getting both bonuses,” she said. “It will really help, especially now that I have to pay school fees and buy uniforms for my son who just finished Grade Seven. With the eMAP enrolment system now open, I need to be ready for Form One placement.”
Economists say the twin bonuses could inject much-needed spending power into the local economy, boosting retail activity and improving liquidity ahead of the festive period. With the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency remaining stable, the disbursement is expected to have a positive ripple effect across multiple sectors.
As thousands of public workers prepare to receive their payouts, the gesture has been hailed as both a morale booster and a sign of stability, reaffirming government’s ongoing commitment to improving the welfare of its workforce and supporting families across the nation.
Source- Herald
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