By Ncaba Ntshakala
Civil servants across the country are eagerly awaiting the 1% annual salary bonus recently agreed upon between the government and Public Sector Unions (PSUs).
The agreement, described by many as a welcome “Christmas gift,” has sparked gratitude among workers who view it as a timely gesture during the festive season.
The bonus comes at a time when many civil servants have depleted their savings after taking advantage of Black Friday sales and facing the pressures of a challenging economic environment.
The government and PSUs signed the agreement earlier this month, with disbursements expected before the end of December.
RELATED: 44 000 civil servants must expect reviewed salaries in June 2025 – Minister Mabulala
Ngcebo Hlophe, a teacher at Mkhuzweni High School, expressed appreciation for the bonus, stating that it would help him cover holiday expenses and prepare for the upcoming school term.
“The economy is tough, and everything seems to cost more these days. This bonus will ease the pressure, especially now when families are trying to make Christmas special for their children,” he said.
Another civil servant, Mndeni Dlamini, shared similar sentiments, describing the 1% bonus as a thoughtful gesture by the government.
“It might not seem like much to some, but to us, it is a sign that the government acknowledges our hard work.
It is especially helpful now that many of us have stretched our budgets due to festive season spending,” she said.
Similarly, Sandile Simelane voiced his gratitude, likening the bonus to a gift from Santa Claus. “I’ve already started calling this my Christmas present from the government.
It will go a long way in helping with groceries, school fees, and other essentials as we prepare for the new year,” Simelane remarked.
The agreement was said to mark a moment of compromise between the government and PSUs after months of negotiations aimed at addressing the financial needs of public sector employees.
While the bonus is seen as a short-term relief, many civil servants hope it paves the way for further improvements in salaries and working conditions in the coming years.
However, the Government has announced its intention to review the Supreme Court’s judgment on Phase II of the process.
The announcement comes after a thorough examination of the court’s ruling, which the Government believes presents exceptional circumstances warranting reconsideration.
Government Spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo stated that the review application is part of the Government’s commitment to ensuring fair and adequate compensation for civil servants.
However, it is essential to clarify that the Government will not seek to review the implementation of Phase II itself, a point emphasized in the press statement released earlier today.
“The implementation of Phase II does not form part of the aspect of the judgment which Government seeks to apply for a review,” Nxumalo explained.
RELATED: E86mln for over 43000 Civil Servants’ sweetener
This clarification aims to assuage concerns among affected parties and the general public, who have been closely monitoring developments surrounding the salary restructuring initiative.
The government has engaged a consultant tasked with determining appropriate compensation levels for all civil servants, with a specific objective to address disparities that led to the establishment of Phase II.
Nxumalo confirmed that this process is already underway, and the consultant is expected to conclude their work next year, providing a roadmap for implementing the necessary changes.
“The ongoing process is crucial to concluding Phase II for it to be effectively implemented. The financial implications of this exercise are also being incorporated into the current budgeting process,” he added.