Tinotenda Hove – President Emmerson Mnangagwa has announced what he calls a “Special Presidential Bonus” for civil servants — a move widely viewed as an attempt to calm growing discontent ahead of the October 17 mass protests and intensifying pressure over his alleged bid to extend his rule beyond constitutional limits.

According to Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Edgar Moyo, civil servants will receive an extra US$150 from the government, disbursed in two instalments — US$75 in November and another US$75 in December. The payment, officials claim, is a token of appreciation from the President for workers’ “hard work and commitment.”

However, the announcement has been met with widespread skepticism, with critics calling it a desperate political bribe designed to buy temporary peace at a time when Mnangagwa’s leadership faces unprecedented scrutiny.

“Civil servants are not fools. They know this is blood money meant to silence them before the protests,” said one Harare-based nurse. “US$150 cannot fix years of economic decay, corruption, and mismanagement.”

Teachers’ unions and labour groups have long accused the Mnangagwa administration of failing to address the collapsing public sector, where salaries have been eroded by inflation and the cost of living continues to soar.

Political analysts say the so-called bonus exposes Mnangagwa’s growing anxiety as public anger mounts over corruption, poor governance, and fears he may attempt to cling to power beyond his constitutional two-term limit.

“This is a panic move,” said political analyst Dr. Tawanda Mutsvairo. “Mnangagwa is under serious pressure — from the streets, from his party, and from the constitution itself. The bonus is not economic policy; it’s damage control.”

The announcement also comes just days before planned nationwide protests organized by civic movements demanding accountability, better living conditions, and respect for democratic norms.

As one commentator put it, “Mnangagwa is trying to buy loyalty with US$75 instalments — but no amount of tokenism can buy back the people’s trust.”