The National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) has issued its staff with shopping coupons totaling ZWL$250,000 (about US$25) as a ‘thank you’ token for their ‘committed’ work throughout the year, at a time when some employees are yet to receive their December salary.
“As a gesture of goodwill and appreciation for staff members’ commitment in 2023, employees will be provided with grocery vouchers valued at ZWL$250,000 per employee,” stated NRZ General Manager Respina Zinyanduko in a special notice to the railway workers.
Some NRZ employees have reported receiving their December allowances and are now waiting for their full salary for this month.
Zinyaduko stated that these grocery vouchers could be redeemed at TM Supermarkets across the country, including locations in Bulawayo, Hwange, Victoria Falls, Gweru, Masvingo, Zvishavane, Kwekwe, Triangle, Chiredzi, Harare, Bindura, Chegutu, Marondera, Mutare, Rusape, Kadoma, Chinhoyi, and Norton.
The general manager added that schedules for employees, based on their geographical locations and the nearest TM supermarkets, had been submitted to the head office in Harare.
“The schedules will be available to the above supermarkets starting Wednesday, 27 December 2023, on which date employees are expected to begin accessing their grocery vouchers,” Zinyanduko said. She emphasized that employees should bring their identification and pay slips to the supermarkets for ease of identification.
“Following this, staff members are encouraged to take their IDs and pay slips to the nearest supermarkets for identification. If possible, transportation to and from these supermarkets will be provided. For further details, employees can contact their respective Personnel Control Units.”
The NRZ boss also extended holiday wishes to the personnel and urged them to continue working with commitment to enhance the growth of the train company.
“On a related note, let me take this opportunity, on behalf of the National Railways of Zimbabwe Management, to wish you and your families a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I urge each one of us to maintain the spirit of commitment in 2024 for the betterment of the organization,” stated Zinyanduko.
Meanwhile, some workers who already redeemed the grocery vouchers expressed dissatisfaction, noting that prices of goods at the supermarket had risen again.
“We received these red cards, and I could only purchase a few groceries – a bottle of cooking oil, a 10kg bag of mealie meal, and some stationery items for the children. With the remaining balance, I bought myself a can of beer,” said an anonymous worker who shopped at the supermarket.
“Prices of basic goods have significantly increased not only in TM but also in other supermarkets. Even buying from vendors in the informal sector shows the same situation with heightened prices. Despite being grateful for the gift of life, we anticipate more price increases and tighten our belts for the next year.”
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