In a move that is likely to spark debate, Zimbabwe's traditional chiefs are set to receive bonuses just two months after they were gifted twin-cab vehicles worth millions of dollars. The decision comes at a time when the government is under pressure to cut public spending due to a tight fiscal space. Public Service Commission (PSC) chairperson Vincent Hungwe confirmed to NewsDay that chiefs and their messengers would be included in the list of recipients for this year's bonuses.
"They [traditional leaders] are part of the list [of people] who are going to receive the bonuses," Hungwe said, adding that further details could be obtained from the PSC secretary. The bonus payout is expected to raise eyebrows, particularly because traditional leaders are not part of the formal civil service. David Dzatsunga, the secretary-general of the Apex Council, which represents civil servants, expressed surprise at the inclusion of chiefs in the bonus scheme.
"We are grateful to the government for paying the civil servants their bonuses. However, I do not have authority to comment on traditional leaders because they are not part of us," Dzatsunga said. Obert Masaraure, president of the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe, was more critical, accusing the government of using bonuses and luxury gifts to buy the loyalty of traditional leaders.
"The idea of pampering traditional leaders and their messengers with luxuries but denying them the right to govern is ironical," Masaraure said. .