THERE have been amplified calls for the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ), Treasury, and law enforcement agents to tighten the screws on illegal forex currency dealers who are manipulating the exchange rates for selfish benefits at the expense of the national economic growth.
This emerged during countrywide campaigns being held to enhance public awareness of the newly introduced ZiG currency by the RBZ.
The campaigns are held in partnership with the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services and other arms of the Government.
In Bulawayo Metropolitan Province, the campaign started in Cowdray Park on Wednesday, Luveve and Gwabalanda on Thursday, Magwegwe, and Emakhandeni on Friday, and yesterday the campaign was in Entumbane.
From the areas covered so far in the province, citizens have called for authorities to clamp down on illegal money changers whom they say have become the de facto monetary authorities.
Mr Alex Minde said they want the currency to pay fees for their children and buy other necessities but bemoaned the manipulation by illegal forex traders.
“We have children who want to go to school and we also need food to eat. We do not want to see this money flooding the illegal money changers such that whenever we want it, we are directed to them. Please make sure that the black market does not get large supplies of this currency. Already, they have started manipulating the stipulated rates. May all the relevant authorities deal with them, especially law enforcement agents.
“I also want to implore the general citizens like me to kindly use it appropriately. We want it to maintain its value so that it boosts our economy because this is our country. At times you wonder what will be happening where before our local banks have the currency, you see it on the streets which is not good. Whoever is responsible for that should be arrested,” said Mr Minde.
Another resident in Bulawayo who spoke on condition of anonymity applauded the RBZ for conducting the campaigns and pleaded with the Central Bank to ensure that the currency does not lose value.
“We plead with the Government to put in place measures so that our money does not lose value. It should not be affected by inflation rapidly. May they also deal with money changers who have always been manipulating the daily exchange rates for their benefits. Illegal dealers hoard cash and deprive the public. This cash is then sold to us the desperate public at a higher rate as banks will not always have enough for us,” she said.
In Matabeleland South Province, the awareness campaigns have covered Gwanda, Plumtree, and Beitbridge with Insiza set to be covered today and other districts later during the week.
In Matabeleland North Province, the campaigns have covered Umguza, Lupane, Binga, and Hwange districts.
RBZ public relations manager Dr Khumbulani Shirichena recently expressed satisfaction with how the public was embracing the new currency.
“We have seen wider acceptance and optimism to embrace the ZiG, particularly as it is providing change to the transacting public.
“The introduction of the ZiG notes and coins is providing relief, especially to the commuting public. We also explained that the new currency, which is backed by gold among other minerals will bring currency stability,” said Dr Shirichena.
He said teams have been deployed across the country to ensure the public has a better understanding of the new currency, which is now circulating in full force.
“We have deployed RBZ teams working with the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services and Parliament to all the 10 provinces in the country on an awareness and sensitisation programme to the public on the new ZiG currency.”
The awareness campaigns are providing information on the features and denominations of the bank notes while also explaining how the country transitioned from the Zimbabwean dollar and how the conversion to ZIG was done.
Sundaynews
