A union representing teachers in Zimbabwe has highlighted another case in which one of its members allegedly received a pittance in terminal benefits.
According to the Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ), the teacher received Z $57,242.72 in terminal benefits following 26 years of service. This amount translates to US$673 using the official exchange rate.
However, using the widely accessible parallel market, this amount translates to US$380 using the black market rate.
The case of the teacher’s terminal benefits was shared by the PTUZ on social media platforms. The union shared the teacher’s letter which is dated 30 June 2021. In the post, PTUZ tagged the Public Service Commission, Finance minister Mthuli Ncube and Raymond Majongwe, the secretary-general of the union.
Part of the letter advising the teacher of the terminal benefits after 26 years of service reads,
PAYMENTS OF TERMINAL BENEFITS
Please be advised that following the termination of your service on 5.12.19 from Education, you are entitled in terms of Pension Regulations 1992 as amended to the following benefits
Refund of Pension contributions paid…………………………………. 12,799.42
Add Interest 4% of 26 Complete Years Served (104%)…….…… 13,311.40
……………………………………………………………………………….……….… 26,110.82
add gratuity………………………………………………………………….… 63,836.55
Total Benefits due…………………………………………………….… 89,947.37
less tax ………………………………………23,363.64
gvt debt ……………………………………… 934.01 32,704.65
Net Amount payable to you……………………………………………… 57,242.72
The above will be paid into your NMB account in July 2021.
F. Songore
For: General Manager, Pensions Management
After noting the post from the Progressive Teachers Union of ZImbbawe, the Public Service Commission responded saying unions should not post official communications online. The PSC also insisted that it would not discuss such issues online.
The PSC wrote,
We publish below citizens’ reactions to the revelation…