Zimbabwe's councils with unpaid staff wages have lost their travel perks and access to new executive cars. The government has blocked overseas trips, out-of-area events, and car deals for top managers at local councils that still owe workers their pay.
Local Government Permanent Secretary Tafadzwa Muguti sent the order to councils through an official memo. And the message was quite clear. Staff cannot keep going without pay while their bosses spend cash on other things.
Some councils have let wages pile up for months. On top of that, they have yet to pay certain legal dues. The ministry says this hurts staff morale, puts workers under strain, and weakens public services.
As part of the clampdown, council staff cannot attend events abroad if wages remain overdue. Local leaders must also skip work retreats, seminars, and meetings held beyond their council areas. No exceptions to those spending limits were set out in the memo.
Executive car deals have hit a wall as well. Any new vehicle meant for a senior official's use or job benefits must stay off the shopping list until the council pays what it owes in wages.
But the rules go beyond spending cuts. Each council in debt has to draft a plan that shows the full amount due, how it will find the cash, and when it expects to pay. A vague pledge will not do.
Every local council must also file a report on its wage debt and show how it plans to follow the rules. That gives the ministry a way to check which councils are making progress and which still have work to do.
And for any council that fails to follow the order, the ministry has warned of formal action. The choice is clear. Clear the wage debt and meet the rules, or face action from the government.
Local Government Permanent Secretary Tafadzwa Muguti sent the order to councils through an official memo. And the message was quite clear. Staff cannot keep going without pay while their bosses spend cash on other things.
Some councils have let wages pile up for months. On top of that, they have yet to pay certain legal dues. The ministry says this hurts staff morale, puts workers under strain, and weakens public services.
As part of the clampdown, council staff cannot attend events abroad if wages remain overdue. Local leaders must also skip work retreats, seminars, and meetings held beyond their council areas. No exceptions to those spending limits were set out in the memo.
Executive car deals have hit a wall as well. Any new vehicle meant for a senior official's use or job benefits must stay off the shopping list until the council pays what it owes in wages.
But the rules go beyond spending cuts. Each council in debt has to draft a plan that shows the full amount due, how it will find the cash, and when it expects to pay. A vague pledge will not do.
Every local council must also file a report on its wage debt and show how it plans to follow the rules. That gives the ministry a way to check which councils are making progress and which still have work to do.
And for any council that fails to follow the order, the ministry has warned of formal action. The choice is clear. Clear the wage debt and meet the rules, or face action from the government.
