Zimpapers Logo

Pamela Shumba Senior Reporter
GOVERNMENT will soon review civil servants’ salaries beyond the Poverty Datum Line (PDL) in line with its commitment to improving the welfare of its workers, a senior official said yesterday. The Senior Minister of State in the President’s Office, Cde Simon Khaya Moyo, told heads of government departments in Bulawayo at a workshop that government would not rest until its workforce was awarded competitive perks.

“Civil servants are a hard working group of people who deserve far much more than what they are earning. Teachers bring us up, but look at what they are earning. I am happy that they were awarded salary increments recently but I believe their salaries should be way above the PDL,” Cde Khaya Moyo said to applause.

“I want to assure you that the increment is just the beginning because we will slowly review the salaries as we seek to improve your welfare.”

Cde Khaya Moyo pleaded with civil servants to bear with government while efforts were underway to boost the economy and improve lives of ordinary people.

He condemned greed and corruption saying leaders who practise the vice were awarding themselves hefty salaries at the expense of ordinary people.

Cde Khaya Moyo said corruption and factionalism were hindering development and economic growth.
“The former President of China, Hu Jintao, once said ‘Combat corruption and promote political integrity or perish.’ In this country, we seem determined to perish through serious corrupt practices,” he said.

“Shame on us. It is terrible to imagine what will happen to our children born today. It is important for us to be accountable not only to ourselves but to our people as well. I wonder how it is possible in this economy. If my salary can build 10 clinics per month, then why not do it? Do not be a burden but an asset to the country.”

Cde Khaya Moyo urged participants to embrace Zim Asset and assist government in its implementation.
The new economic blueprint is anchored on four clusters, food security and nutrition, social services and poverty eradication, infrastructure and utilities, value addition and beneficiation.  “Let us not be ignorant because these clusters are important for us to survive as a nation. I therefore call upon all leaders to cultivate respect, be focused and disciplined as they take up their duties,” said Cde Khaya Moyo.

Academic Dr Gatsha Mazithulela unpacked the contents of Zim Asset saying the success of the policy framework depended on collective efforts.

Dr Mazithulela said people should focus on what they could do for Zim Asset not what Zim Asset  could do for them.
The Minister of State for Provincial Affairs in Bulawayo, Cde Nomthandazo Moyo, organised the meeting to give leaders an opportunity to present their challenges and map strategies for development.

The workshop also discussed ways in which the different departments would implement Zim Asset.
A majority of participants said financing was the major hindrance to development. Senator Angeline Masuku and Zanu-PF Bulawayo provincial chairman Dr Callistus Ndlovu also attended the meeting.