No bonus joy for civil servants

Government has reneged on its bonus pledge this month and reportedly advised civil servants' union leaders that it was financially hamstrung and could not commit itself to mobilise for the 13th cheque anytime soon.

Public Service Minister Prisca Mupfumira and Apex Council member Sifiso Ndlovu confirmed the development yesterday.

Mupfumira sid that she could not give a definite date for the payment of bonuses, saying the situation had been worsened by the fact that Cabinet was on recess, with its chairman, President Mugabe on holiday in the Far East.

Minister Mupfumira also said that Cabinet will likely meet on February the 10th and Cabinet might discuss the issue of bonuses, but she could not be drawn on giving a date when bonuses would be paid.

Sifiso Ndlovu who is also chief executive of Zimta, said indications on the ground were that civil servants would not get their bonuses anytime soon.