Govt Grants 98 Days Paid Maternity Leave for Women...

Govt Grants 98 Days Paid Maternity Leave for Women in Public Service

Oscar J Jeke - Zim Now Reporter

Government has moved to enhance the welfare of public sector employees by proposing 98 days of fully paid maternity leave for female workers, under new provisions in the Public Service Amendment Bill, 2025.

The Bill, which seeks to align the Public Service Act [Chapter 16:01] with the Constitution, was approved by Cabinet and is expected to be tabled before Parliament soon. Among its key reforms are stronger protections for women and a clearer framework for professional development and workplace accountability.

In Tuesday’s post-Cabinet briefing, Information Minister Jenfan Muswere said the Bill represents a progressive step in ensuring gender equality and employee protection in the public sector.

“the Bill provides that a female employee shall be granted a period of 98 days paid maternity leave ,” said minister Muswere.

The Bill also explicitly prohibits all forms of workplace violence and harassment, including sexual and gender-based misconduct, which must now be addressed through robust internal policies and procedures within public institutions.

“…..and prohibits violence and harassment at the workplace, including violence and harassment of a sexual based or gender-based nature.The Public Service Commission will ensure that there will be no discrimination when considering candidates for appointment or promotion,” he added

Beyond gender-related reforms, the Bill mandates that all members of the Public Service Commission disclose their assets to the Corporate Governance Unit, in accordance with the Public Entities Corporate Governance Act [Chapter 10:31]. The aim is to boost transparency and guard against conflicts of interest.

It also introduces a structural development, the proposed law will establish a Public Service Academy tasked with providing ongoing professional training and development for public workers, enhancing both efficiency and service delivery.

Further, the Bill delineates a clearer chain of command in public administration. The management and supervision of public servants within ministries and departments will be the responsibility of respective Permanent Secretaries, under ministerial oversight and with advice from the Public Service Commission. Permanent Secretaries, in turn, will be supervised by the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet.

“The Bill further provides that the management and supervision of members of the Public Service employed in any Ministry, Department or other division of the Public Service shall be the responsibility of the Permanent Secretary concerned, subject to the direction of the Minister and on the advice of the Commission. The Bill also provides for the supervision of the Permanent Secretaries by the Chief Secretary,” he added.