Anger and dismay have been aroused by recent statements from representatives of the transitional government on the issue of wages. The Joint Minister of Finance, Mr. Ernest Bulle, (a member of Bishop Muzorewa's UANC) for example, has stated that he would not wish to see an independent African government "interfering" in wage negotiations between employers and employees. While it was desirable to raise the wages of African workers he said it might not be possible to do so immediately and economic growth would have to take priority. The black population must learn to be "realistic".
The transitional government has nevertheless seen fit to award itself very substantial salary increases. Under the terms of a notice published in the Government Gazette, (and therefore not subject to debate or approval in parliament), Mr. Ian Smith's annual basic salary was increased by R$4,550 to R$34,800 a year (around £26,000 at current exchange rates) with effect from 1 July 1978. Bishop Muzorewa, Rev. Sithole and Chief Chirau, Mr. Smith's colleagues in the Executive Council, received similar pay awards. Cabinet ministers salaries rose by R$3,300 to R$25,300 a year while MP's and senators' pay rose by R$824 to R$6,324 a year. All ministers, MPs and senators receive generous allowances in addition, while ministers also have free accommodation. The Rhodesian parliament, in return for these financial rewards, usually sits for less than four months of the year, on Tuesdays to Fridays only.
According to figures published by the regime, African workers earned an average of R$588 per annum in 1977 (about £440) while white, Asian and Coloured workers earned R$6, 156 on average, more than ten times as much. It has been estimated that an African couple without children required R$549 per annum to meet their subsistence (ie. poverty datum line) requirements in 1976. Most black families living in the main urban areas comprise households of seven or more people, however - requiring a minimum of R$1,232 per annum to meet the PDL.
A survey published by the Central Statistical Office in Salisbury in May 1978 has shown that the average income of a white Rhodesian family increased by 79% between 1968 and 1975/6, from R$4,488 to R$6,028 per annum.
The gap between black and white earnings has in fact been accelerating sharply since the end of the 60's.
