The economic landscape of Zimbabwe is at a critical juncture, marked by the glaring neglect of civil servants, teachers, nurses, police officers, and military personnel by President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration.
The government’s failure to commit to improving their working conditions and salaries unless the economy improves is not only unjust but also counterproductive.
This situation raises a fundamental question: how can we expect the middle class to thrive and drive economic growth when those tasked with serving the public are treated as expendable?
Civil servants are the backbone of society, providing essential services that enable the economy to function.
Teachers mold future generations, nurses care for the sick, police officers maintain law and order, and military personnel ensure national security.
Their roles are indispensable, yet they face increasing hardships due to stagnant salaries and deteriorating working conditions.
When these key workers struggle to meet basic needs, the entire social fabric begins to fray, impacting educational outcomes, public health, and overall security.
The government last week said it will keep civil servants’ salaries at 12% of the gross domestic product (GDP), with its growth expected to be the benchmark against which their salaries can be improved.
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The government announced that civil servants had started getting their backdated salaries as it was committed to ensuring a living wage for its workforce and fulfilled its pledge to review salaries upwards.
Public sector workers have also been assured of their usual annual bonus that will be paid next month and in December after a National Joint Negotiating Council meeting with employees held last week.
Teachers, however, rubbished the civil servants salary review, describing it as insignificant.
The government reviewed the salaries to US$364 from US$324 for the lowest paid employee backdated to September.
The wage review represents an increase of just US$40 for each one of the country’s troubled public workforce.
In the actual fact civil servants are wallowing in poverty and financial despair, a result of unfulfilled promises by President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government.
The government employees are struggling to survive on meagre salaries that have been ravaged by inflation.
The government’s unfulfilled promises including provision of solar systems and 500 000 housing units as part of their non-monetary benefits.
The government also pledged to pay the employees a living wage among other commitments. This has resulted in a mass exodus of skilled workers, who opt for menial foreign jobs owing to poor remuneration back home.
Reports have indicated that the civil service lost more than 5 000 employees to the United Kingdom while other countries such as South Africa, Australia and New Zealand continue to lure Zimbabwean workers.
Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions chairperson David Dzatsunga has bemoaned government’s unfulfilled promises.
“We have seen that there is no interest by the government to address our issues. We have heard that the government wants to install solar panels for civil servants at their homes in 2022 but that never happened,” Dzatsunga said.
“There is also an issue of hierarchy, those civil servants at a lower rank have never benefited at all.
“Then there is this issue of housing where we think the government has the capacity to provide land or a facility that can allow civil servants to have their own houses. But this also has not happened.”
He said government should honour its commitments and prioritise the welfare of civil servants.
Medical and Dental Private Practitioners Association of Zimbabwe president Johannes Marisa has also lamented that the general working conditions of the country’s workforce were deplorable.
“There is poor infrastructure and we implore the government to improve the conditions of health workers. Health workers do not have proper accommodation, decent means of transport; they need vehicles,” Marisa said.
Health workers also bemoaned government’s decision to block collective action, especially by health workers.
Instead of the government fixing the economy it always uses tactics to mute civil servants from speaking out.
Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe President Obert Masaraure accused the Mnangagwa administration of allegedly employing military tactics citing the deployment of command tactics in handling labour disputes.
“The government of Zimbabwe under Emmerson Mnangagwa is worse than Rhodesia and Mugabe combined,” Masaraure said.
“The militarised government is deploying command tactics in handling labour disputes. The constitution in Section 65 provides for the right to a fair wage and right to engage in job action.
“These rights can't be withdrawn by some individuals who just have a five-year mandate.”
Public Service International sub-regional secretary for Southern Africa Tichaona Fambisa called on the government to prioritise investment in the public service sector.
“Government of Zimbabwe should make sure that it invests more in public service so that public sector workers and health workers can earn decent salaries and fail to find reasons to migrate,” Fambisa said.
Calls for industrial action continue to grow among civil servants, but the government has been uncompromising and enforcing a “no work, no pay” policy for civil servants who participate in illegal demonstrations or stayaways.
The assertion that civil servants’ conditions can only improve once the economy stabilies is a flawed argument that ignores the interconnectedness of public welfare and economic vitality.
To cultivate a thriving middle class by 2030, the government must recognize that the health of the economy is closely tied to the well-being of its civil servants. A demoralised workforce leads to subpar public services, which in turn stifles business growth and innovation.
The ripple effects of this neglect extend far beyond the immediate concerns of civil servants; they hinder the economic prospects of the entire nation. For the middle class to become a driving force in the economy, they need a stable and supportive environment one where public services are efficient and effective.
A well-compensated civil service plays a critical role in creating this environment. When teachers are properly paid, they can invest more time and energy into their students.
When nurses receive fair wages, they are less likely to leave the profession, ensuring that hospitals and clinics remain staffed and functional.
A well-supported police force contributes to a sense of safety and stability, encouraging investment and entrepreneurship.
However, the government’s current approach sends a troubling message: that civil servants are a low priority.
This stance not only diminishes the morale of those in public service but also discourages the very economic activity that the government claims to want to stimulate.
When people feel undervalued, they are less likely to go above and beyond in their work, leading to a decline in productivity across key sectors.
It is time for the government to prioritise the welfare of civil servants as a strategic investment in the nation’s future. The restoration of dignity to these workers is not just a matter of ethical responsibility; it is an economic necessity.
A motivated and well-supported civil service is essential for fostering the conditions under which a robust middle class can emerge.
The government must listen to the voices of civil servants and engage them in a constructive dialogue about their needs and concerns.
A collaborative approach will not only enhance the quality of public service but will also demonstrate a commitment to the welfare of all citizens.
When civil servants are valued, they can deliver services that enhance the quality of life for everyone, fostering a healthier economy and a more equitable society.
In conclusion, the notion that the economy can thrive while civil servants are neglected is a dangerous fallacy.
The future of middle-class economics in Zimbabwe hinges on the recognition of the integral role that civil servants play in driving societal progress.
The government must take decisive action to uplift these essential workers, restoring their dignity and ensuring their voices are heard.
Only then can Zimbabwe hope to create a stable and prosperous economy that benefits all its citizens.
The time for change is now; the middle class deserves an environment where they can truly thrive, supported by a strong and respected civil service.
- Gary Gerald Mtombeni is a journalist based in Harare. He writes here in his own personal capacity. For feedback Email garymtombeni@gmail.com/ call- +263778861608
