Zimbabwe civil servants to get bonuses in 2 instalments

Zimbabwean civil servants will receive their 2026 annual bonuses in two equal instalments in November and December, while Government pensioners will receive a special cushioning allowance next month as authorities move to ease financial pressures ahead of the festive season.

The payment arrangements were confirmed by the National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC) following a meeting held at Kaguvi Building in Harare on November 2, 2026.

Under the agreement, civil servants in Grades A to D will receive bonuses calculated at 100 percent of their pensionable emoluments, comprising basic salary, in-service allowance and administration allowance.

Half of the bonus will be paid in November, with the remaining 50 percent scheduled for December.

"The payment modalities for the 2026 Annual Bonus for members of the Public Service are as follows: Grades A to D bonus will be calculated at 100 percent pensionable emoluments (basic salary, in-service allowance and administration allowance)," the NJNC said in a statement.

"Payment will be staggered in two equal instalments, 50 percent will be paid in November 2026 and the remaining 50 percent will be paid in December 2026."

The council also confirmed that Treasury had approved additional financial assistance for retired Government employees.

"The NJNC also noted that Treasury has approved a flat cushioning allowance for Government Pensioners payable in December 2026," the statement said.

However, the amount of the pensioners' cushioning allowance was not disclosed.

The announcement follows assurances by Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube that the Government would honour its annual bonus commitments despite mounting pressure on public finances.

Speaking over the weekend, Ncube maintained that the Second Republic had consistently paid civil servants' bonuses since coming into office in 2018.

He also revealed that traditional chiefs had been included in the annual bonus programme from last year, describing the development as recognition of their contribution to community leadership and national development.

"We have even started paying bonuses even for our traditional chiefs, which has never happened since independence in 1980," Ncube said.

"We also recognise the good work that they do and we were able to cover them as well. But civil servants' bonuses, we are going to pay those."

The confirmation comes amid growing calls from public sector workers and legislators for improved salaries and working conditions.

Civil servants' representatives have repeatedly raised concerns over the erosion of purchasing power, calling for remuneration packages that better reflect the cost of living.

Parliamentarians have also urged Treasury to review public sector salaries and prioritise the welfare of Government employees.

Meanwhile, the NJNC meeting also formally adopted the Public Service Occupational Safety and Health Policy, which seeks to improve workplace safety standards and strengthen protections for Government workers.

The policy provides a framework for reducing occupational injuries, illnesses and fatalities while promoting safer working environments.

It also recognises workers' right to refuse duties that expose them to imminent danger without facing disciplinary action or dismissal.

The NJNC committed itself to supporting the policy's implementation, monitoring and periodic review to ensure that occupational health and safety standards are maintained across the public service.

The staggered bonus payments are expected to provide some financial relief to civil servants during the final two months of the year, while the cushioning allowance will offer additional support to Government pensioners.

Attention will now turn to the implementation of the payment schedule and whether the forthcoming 2027 National Budget will provide further measures to improve public sector remuneration.