Zimbabwe’s Public Service is resuming normal office hours following a relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions and agreement between Government and unions on improved pay and conditions of service.
The return to standard shifts coincides with a vaccination blitz of the 12-to-15-year age group.
Minister for Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Monica Mutsvangwa said Cabinet had ruled that normal working hours at offices should be 7:45am to 4:45pm.
“Cabinet also wishes to inform the nation that the continued discussions and engagement with the stakeholders is bearing fruit and has positively resulted in increased attendance at schools by both teachers and pupils,” Ms Mutsvangwa (pictured) said.
She said the improved conditions of service included a 20 per cent pay increase backdated to 1 January and continuation of a $US75 ($A101) COVID-19 allowance, paid in hard currency.
“There is also an introduction of $US100 ($A135) salary to be paid in hard currency across the board with effect from 1 March, bringing the total US dollar monthly pay component to $US175 ($A 236),” Ms Mutsvangwa said.
She also noted that more than 4.3 million people had received their first vaccine dose; more than 3.3 million had received their second dose; and more than 1.2 million had gotten their third dose.
“All Ministries are required to provide maximum support to the vaccine blitz with a view to protecting communities against the severe impact of a potential fifth wave of the virus,” she said.
“Cabinet would like to encourage all citizens who have not yet been vaccinated to go and get vaccinated since we are not yet out of the woods,” Ms Mutsvangwa said.
Harare, 5 March 2022
