President of Zimbabwe, Emmerson Mnangagwa, has offered a surprise $200 top-up bonus for all civil servants, stepping into the government’s dispute with its Public Service.

Analysts view the move as an attempt to appeal to Zimbabwe’s public workforce and also go towards Mnangagwa’s re-election campaign next year.

The president’s bonus will be paid on top of the so-called ‘13th cheque’ of a month’s salary at the end of the year. The bonus is aimed at helping soften the blow of inflationary pressures.

According to Secretary General of the Zimbabwe Public Sector Trade Unions, David Dzatsunga, the incentive was announced during a meeting of the National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC) between government and public sector union representatives.

“The President intervened because we had realised that the 13th cheque bonus was not going to be quite meaningful without that extra $US200,” Dzatsunga stated.

“It will be paid in two tranches; half of that will be paid this month (November), and the other half will be paid next month. This was done to make sure that everybody received their money in time for Christmas.

“Naturally, workers are appreciative of the extra money; the Secretary-General went on to add.

The government has ditched plans to pay performance-based bonuses to civil servants due to pressure from unions, a move away from paying a consistent 13th cheque to workers in the public sector.

That said, Zimbabwe’s government agreed to pay the bonus over two months. Half of the payment will be paid along with workers’ salaries in November, whilst the other half will be paid in December.