After months of anticipation, the Tanzanian government has officially confirmed that the long-awaited annual salary increase will take effect in August. The Minister of State in the President’s Office for Public Service Management and Good Governance, George Simbachawene, made the announcement yesterday in response to inquiries made by The Citizen.
The salary increase was initially announced by President Samia Suluhu Hassan during the celebration of International Workers’ Day in May 2023. This decision marks the reinstatement of the annual salary increase system, which was discontinued by former President John Magufuli in 2016.
Explaining the delay in implementing the new salaries, Mr. Simbachawene cited logistical challenges in changing the salary systems. However, he reassured civil servants that the new salaries, along with arrears, will be paid starting from August.
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The delay in salary increase payments had prompted complaints from some public servants across the country who were eagerly anticipating the fulfillment of the promise in July 2023. The Trade Union Congress of Tanzania (TUCTA) also sought clarification from the government on the matter, which led to consultations with the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Juma Mkomi.
Calling for patience and commitment from public servants, TUCTA President Mr. Tumaini Nyamhokya emphasized the importance of the government fulfilling its promises to boost morale among civil servants and enhance service delivery to the public.
Various trade unions, including the Tanzania Higher Learning Institutions Trade Union (THTU) and the Tanzania Teachers’ Union (TTU), had expressed disappointment over the non-implementation of the salary increase for government employees. However, with August approaching, public servants remain hopeful that the government will fulfill its commitment and uplift the well-being of its workforce.
