Zimbabwe’s Civil Servants Struggle Amid Economic Crisis, Yearn for GNU Era

Workers Face Financial Hardships, Recall Better Days Under GNU

by Adenike Adeodun

Zimbabwe’s civil servants are facing significant financial hardships and longing for the stability they experienced during the Government of National Unity (GNU). The economic realities they face today are far from favorable.

At the Zimbabwe Prison and Correctional Service (ZPCS) headquarters in Harare, Officer Mbekezeli Dube sits in his faded uniform, which serves as a stark reminder of better times. “We now earn $35 a month,” he said, reflecting on how his salary used to ensure a comfortable life.

Harare’s bustling city life offers little comfort to Dube. He joined ZPCS at 24, drawn by the $540 salary that once provided a good living. “During the GNU, civil servants built houses and bought cars,” he noted. Now, Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube’s policies have reduced their earnings drastically. Dube’s frustration is clear.

The GNU, led by opposition MDC’s Morgan Tsvangirai and ruling Zanu PF’s Robert Mugabe, provided stability between 2009 and 2013. Today, the government claims it can only pay what it can afford. Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare Minister July Moyo insists civil servants are better paid than private sector employees. However, former Finance Minister Tendai Biti blames Finance Secretary George Guvamatanga for the workers’ plight.

Dube’s story mirrors that of other civil servants. Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) soldier Mengezi Dliwayo also laments his current situation. He joined public service to make a difference, not to struggle financially. “I miss the $540 salary,” Dliwayo confessed, highlighting the dire state of uniformed forces like police, ZPCS, and the army.

Despite the hardships, many civil servants remain loyal. Last month, ZNA Commander Lieutenant General Anselem Sanyatwe oversaw the graduation of 1,196 military recruits in Bulawayo. Similarly, President Emmerson Mnangagwa presided over the pass out of 753 ZPCS recruits after their six-month training.

Teachers, too, yearn for better days. Sithokozile Tshuma, a secondary teacher in Harare, reminisces about pre-2018 salaries. She wishes for political stability, hoping it will improve economic conditions for all government workers.

Opposition leader Nelson Chamisa blames Zimbabwe’s economic woes on political instability. “Broken politics break everything,” Chamisa said, calling for a political settlement to resolve the crisis. He urged respect for voters’ choices, drawing parallels with South Africa’s inclusive governance.

Chamisa criticized President Mnangagwa, suggesting that divine intervention might be necessary for change. “There is hope in Zimbabwe,” he concluded, urging unity and cooperation.

Zimbabwe’s civil servants continue to endure financial struggles. Their longing for the Government of National Unity (GNU) era highlights the necessity for economic reforms and political stability. Despite these obstacles, they remain resilient and optimistic about a brighter future.

 

Source: Newsday

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