Only God Can Reward Nurses, Says Deputy Minister Amid Pay Crisis
Zimbabwe’s Deputy Health and Child Care Minister, Sleiman Kwidini, has sparked intense debate after telling nurses that “only God can reward a nurse” as healthcare workers continue demanding better salaries and working conditions.
Speaking during International Nurses Day commemorations in Harare on Monday, Kwidini addressed nurses, hospital executives, students and government officials at The Avenues Clinic, where he acknowledged frustration within the profession while warning that government could not afford to “break the bank”.
The remarks came as nurses across Zimbabwe push for salaries between US$600 and US$800 (approximately R10,980 to R14,640), amid reports that some public sector nurses are earning below US$300 to US$500 (approximately R5,490 to R9,150) per month.
According to ZiFM Stereo News, Kwidini said no amount of money could fully compensate nurses for the work they do.
‘Only God Can Reward A Nurse’
Addressing attendees at the event held on May 12, 2026, Kwidini said government officials had recently discussed the ongoing industrial action by nurses.
He told the gathering:
“We were laughing the other day, discussing the industrial action by public health institution nurses. 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.”
Kwidini admitted that nurses’ concerns over salaries and welfare were valid but insisted government resources were limited.
“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 deputy minister also said President Emmerson Mnangagwa appreciated the role nurses play in the country’s health system.
“You have initiated conversation and dialogue on welfare,” Kwidini said.
“But at times it is not you who will benefit, it is those that come after you.”
Nurses’ Housing Renovations Spark Debate
Kwidini also addressed criticism surrounding renovations at Parirenyatwa Hospital, after social media users questioned why accommodation upgrades were prioritised while nurses continued demanding better pay.
He defended the refurbishment programme, arguing that nurses needed decent living conditions to perform their duties properly.
“We realised that the renovations at Parirenyatwa Hospital caused some tension on social media,” he said.
“Some argued why priority was given to refurbishment of nurses’ houses, but the reality is patient care starts when the welfare of the nurse is catered for and we will not compromise.”
Kwidini also described the emotional strain faced by healthcare workers in hospitals daily.
“Ask anyone to be in a hospital setup for a few hours,” he said.
“They end up uncomfortable and end up saying inhumane remarks about patients, which shows how delicate your job is.”
Deputy Minister Criticises Nurses’ Attitudes
In another notable section of his speech, Kwidini criticised what he described as mistrust among some nurses.
He claimed some healthcare workers avoided seeking treatment from colleagues at their own workplaces.
“When a nurse falls sick, they opt to seek care from nurses from other stations away from their own because of this behaviour that you display which is negative,” he said.
“I don’t know of any nurse who would take their sick parent to their workstation for care with their direct colleagues, and this attitude must shift.”
The comments come as pressure continues mounting on the government to address conditions in Zimbabwe’s public health sector, with nurses and other healthcare workers demanding urgent intervention.
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