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Sifiso Ndlovu

Nqobile Tshili Chronicle Correspondent—
THE government has paid teachers their 2015 bonuses, ending months of anxiety among the largest group of professionals on the government’s payroll. In February, treasury announced pay dates for all civil servants and has been paying different departments in the last few months. Zimbabwe Teachers Association’s chief executive officer Sifiso Ndlovu said teachers started receiving their 13th cheque yesterday after midday.

“Yes our members have been paid their bonuses. It started being accessible at midday. In the morning, there was a bit of chaos as it was reflecting in their bank accounts but they couldn’t access it. Those who might be having challenges accessing their money, I believe tomorrow (today) they’ll be able to access it,” said Ndlovu.

He lauded the government for fulfilling its promises. “Definitely there’s been a lot of uncertainty among our members because of the economic situation. But we’re grateful and want to thank the employer for keeping its promises,” he said.

Teachers join other civil servants who include the army, police, prison officers and those in the health sector who have already been paid their bonuses. Soldiers were paid their bonuses in February while the police, prison officers and health sector received their 13th cheque last month.

The rest of the civil servants and institutions that receive government’s aid are expected to be paid their bonuses at the end of the month. Speaking at the National Sports Stadium on Independence Day, President Mugabe apologised to civil servants for delays in the payment of their regular salaries and bonuses.

“The government will continue to find ways of improving the welfare of civil servants,” he said. “It’s the desire of government that salaries progressively match the Poverty Datum Line. The government apologises for the late disbursement of salaries, bonuses and monthly payments to pensioners but, be rest assured that the government is working flat out to improve the situation.

“Now that the workers have begun contributing towards the pension fund, payment of pensioners will be more predictable and on time.”