By Lerato Ndlovu
Civil servants will this year be paid their thirteenth cheque in foreign currency up to a maximum of US$700 following exchange rate fluctuations and unstable prices in shops.
In a memo Permanent Secretary for Finance and Economic Development Mr George Guvamatanga, addressed to secretary to the Public Service Commission Ambassador Jonathan Wutawunashe, acting executive director Health Services Board Mr Angelbert Mbengwa, and Judicial Service Commission secretary Mr Walter Chikwana said the bonuses will be in foreign currency.
The bonuses are to be paid end of November capped at a maximum of USD$700 and civil servants with pay scales requiring more than the capped will get the balance in local currency.
“Guided by the developments in the market and taking into account the plight of workers and the need to cushion members from the adverse effects of fluctuations in exchange rates and also taking into account the proactive initiative by Government, Treasury advises that the 2021 13th cheque be paid in foreign currency (US dollars) at 100 percent of the pensionable emoluments, capped at a maximum of US$700 whilst those with pay scales exceeding the balance of the 13th cheque will be payable in local currency.
It stated that over the years uniformed forces and health sector were paid in November whilst the rest with statutes on bonuses were paid in December and for other sectors there is no legal framework guiding payment of such.
It went on to read that civil service pensioners will receive bonus payments of US$100 plus an extra US$80 for spouses.
“In light of the foregoing, it is recommended that pensioners be equally cushioned on the basis of the following flat, once-off amount per each category: own right US$100, spouse US$80, child US$60”.
The three officers engaged by the memo are expected to work out what is required in each sector so that Treasury could make the preparations, so as to ensure smooth flows of payments.
