MEMBERS of the Zimbabwe National Army became the first government workers to receive annual bonuses yesterday, NewsDay has learnt.
STAFF REPORTER
Although Finance minister Tendai Biti, who is expected to present his 2013 National Budget tomorrow, was not immediately available for comment, it is understood that soldiers received their bonuses yesterday while members of the Air Force of Zimbabwe, police, prison service and other civil servants were expected to get their 13th cheques next week, according to impeccable sources.
The 2013 National Budget is expected to address civil servants’ salaries and the watershed elections set for next year to end the coalition government.
Most soldiers were ecstatic that they had received their bonuses. Soldiers with the rank of private, according to sources, received net salaries of nearly $900.
“We received our bonuses today. I have checked with my bank and my salary was doubled,” said one soldier who preferred anonymity.
