Parliament Petitioned Over Civil Registry Allowance Dispute

Parliament has been petitioned to probe Zimbabwe’s Civil Registry Department over unpaid allowances from the 2023 registration blitz, as workers accuse Registrar-General Henry Machiri of bias, fund mismanagement, and unfair labour practices (image source)

Parliament has been petitioned to intervene in a growing standoff between the Civil Registry Department and its workers over unpaid allowances dating back more than two years, amid allegations of bias and mismanagement in the disbursement of funds.

The dispute stems from a nationwide mobile registration blitz conducted ahead of the 2023 general elections. Civil Registry employees, tasked with registering citizens and issuing vital documents, were promised US$120 per day, amounting to about US$3,600 for the three-month exercise. However, despite Treasury allocating funds for the program, many workers remain unpaid.

In May 2025, the department reportedly made partial payments to some employees, but large arrears remain. Workers claim that Harare and Bulawayo staff were prioritized for full settlement, while provincial teams were sidelined. “Official Treasury correspondence and Civil Registry records reveal that US$1.1 million is available for this purpose, yet due to administrative bias and discriminatory practices, allowances remain unpaid,” the petition states.

The petition, spearheaded by political activist Linda Masarira, accuses Registrar-General Henry Machiri of presiding over unfair labour practices. It cites Section 65 of the Constitution, which guarantees fair labour standards, and the Labour Act [Chapter 28:01], which mandates prompt payment of wages and entitlements.

Tensions escalated last month following reports that the department sought permission from Treasury to redirect funds toward purchasing vehicles for senior officials. This move angered staff who have been pressing for their dues, arguing that procurement priorities undermine frontline workers who executed the registration exercise.

The petition urges Parliament to summon Machiri and the Minister of Finance to explain payment disparities and governance failures. It also calls for a forensic inquiry into the department’s financial management and recommends Machiri’s retirement or redeployment.

Labour experts warn that unresolved disputes could undermine staff morale ahead of future national programs requiring Civil Registry participation. Civil society groups have joined calls for swift parliamentary intervention to restore accountability and ensure equitable treatment of employees across all provinces.