Key points
-
Workers say allowances from the 2023 blitz remain unpaid.
-
Registrar-General asked to redirect $1.1 million elsewhere.
-
Staff accuse bosses of prioritizing cars over workers’ dues.
Civil Registry employees are furious after learning that money meant for their allowances may have been spent on cars and other costs.
They were part of a national mobile registration blitz held before the 2023 elections. Each worker was promised $120 per day, adding up to about $3,600 for three months of work. But more than two years later, many say they have not been paid in full.
In February 2024, the Finance Ministry admitted in writing that the arrears were still outstanding and promised to clear them in batches. Workers, however, say they are still waiting.
Some claim that in June 2025 money briefly appeared in their accounts, only to be reversed the next day and marked as an error.
Boss asks to shift allowance funds elsewhere
A letter dated June 12, 2025, shows Registrar-General Henry Machiri asked Treasury for permission to use $1.1 million, which was set aside for allowances, to cover other bills.
He said the department was struggling with overdue payments to international bodies and suppliers, warning that Zimbabwe’s e-passports could lose global recognition if services were cut.
The money, according to the letter, was to cover commitments such as fees to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Impala, and car plates for senior officials.
Workers say this shows that their dues were pushed aside while money was diverted to “chefs’ cars” and other priorities.
Registrar-General denies diverting funds
When asked about the claims, Machiri denied any wrongdoing.
“Did I sign that letter with a pen?” he said. “No workers’ funds were used for something else. If Treasury releases the money, they will get their dues.”
Home Affairs secretary Raphael Faranisi did not respond, saying he was in a meeting.
For staff who worked on the registration blitz, the anger is real. Many say they feel cheated as they continue to wait for allowances they were promised more than two years ago.
