Deputy Health Minister Says Govt ‘Laughed’ During Nurses’ Strike Discussions
- Southerton Business Times
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
Sleiman Timios Kwidini has sparked controversy after revealing that government officials laughed while discussing last month’s nurses’ strike, saying no one in the world could adequately pay nurses for the work they do. Nurses across Zimbabwe staged a three-day industrial action beginning on 20 April, protesting against low salaries, deteriorating working conditions, and unfulfilled promises of salary adjustments. Many nurses said their earnings were no longer enough to survive amid rising living costs, with some reporting that deductions left them taking home significantly less than expected each month.
Public sector nurses are reportedly earning between under US$300 and about US$500 monthly, while unions and health workers are demanding salaries ranging between US$600 and US$800. Speaking during International Nurses Day commemorations at The Avenues Clinic, Kwidini addressed nurses, hospital executives, students, and government officials, arguing that nurses perform work so valuable that only divine reward could truly compensate them.
“We were laughing the other day, discussing the industrial action by public health institution nurses,” Kwidini said. “We asked ourselves if there is anyone in this world with the capacity to adequately pay a nurse. A nurse cannot be paid by anyone, and only God can reward a nurse.”
His remarks are likely to intensify frustration among healthcare workers who have repeatedly raised concerns over poor wages, staff shortages, and difficult working conditions in Zimbabwe’s public health sector.
Kwidini also cautioned nurses against expecting the government to fully meet their salary demands immediately, citing financial limitations facing the State.
“Even if, as nurses, you demand any amount of money, it can never be enough,” he said. “It doesn’t make sense to break the bank for nurses, yet we do not have enough money; that would be a lie, but your welfare will be gradually improved.”
The comments come at a sensitive time for Zimbabwe’s healthcare system, which continues to face staff shortages, migration of skilled health professionals, and mounting pressure over deteriorating service delivery at public hospitals.
The nurses’ strike in April exposed growing tensions between the government and healthcare workers, many of whom say they are struggling to afford transport, rentals, and basic necessities despite working long hours under difficult conditions. Critics have argued that comparing nurses’ sacrifices to spiritual reward risks trivialising legitimate labour concerns, especially as healthcare professionals continue demanding meaningful salary reviews and improved workplace conditions.
Kwidini’s remarks also follow recent public debate over the dignity and treatment of nurses after videos circulated online showing uniformed nurses dancing for cash during a public event attended by businessman and presidential adviser Paul Tungwarara’s daughter, Tinotenda Tungwarara. The incident triggered widespread criticism, with many Zimbabweans arguing that healthcare workers were being humiliated amid worsening economic hardship.
Sleiman Kwidini
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