Blessings Chidakwa and Trust Freddy

THE new Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) bank notes and coins go into circulation today, bringing relief to the transacting public, with confidence in the gold-backed money growing across all economic sectors.

Informal traders, commuters and other interest groups had been anxiously awaiting an alternative to the electronic payment methods which, apart from hard currency cash transactions, had been solely in use since the launch of ZiG on April 5.

Major companies in the manufacturing, retail, wholesale and aviation industries have been accepting electronic ZiG payments ahead of today’s roll out of the physical currency.

Banks yesterday took delivery of notes and coins purchased from the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe for commencement of withdrawals by depositors today.

The central bank has since set weekly cash withdrawal limits at ZiG3 000 for individuals and ZiG30 000 for corporates to manage the initial roll-out.

In an update yesterday, RBZ Governor Dr John Mushayavanhu said authorities had finalised the distribution systems by the end of the business.

“We will be seeing the new notes and coins effective this Tuesday (today). All the modalities have been completed and come tomorrow morning (today), Zimbabweans can begin to use the currency depending on the logistics of each bank.

“There is that need for Zimbabweans to use ZiG. I implore the nation to focus on a currency preservation system to facilitate ease and convenience to Zimbabwe. It is all about confidence and as the central bank, we are guaranteeing confidence in the economy,” said Dr Mushayavanhu.

Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers (CZR) president Mr Denford Mutashu said: “We are ready for the introduction of ZiG coins and ZiG notes.

“We are quite optimistic because the market has been eagerly awaiting the coins to help address the issue of change shortage.

“Consumers and the general public are tired of receiving coupons and candy instead of their change.”

Mr Mutashu urged retailers to strictly adhere to the official exchange rate, saying: “We have extensively engaged with our membership, both formal and informal.

“It is important to note the wide acceptance and use of ZiG electronic money. We do not expect any deviation from the formal exchange rate, particularly within the formal sector.”

The Greater Harare Association of Commuter Operators (GHACO) chairman Mr Ngoni Katsvairo said the ZiG currency comes as a relief for transport operators.

“We have been facing serious challenges in terms of providing change to passengers and I believe it’s a relief to all transport operators.”

However, Mr Katsvairo appealed to the Government to make sure fuel was sold in ZiG notes and coins.

“We hope that fuel stations will accept ZiG payments. Challenges may arise if fuel stations reject ZiG notes.

“During the initial days of its introduction, entire trips could be paid for exclusively in ZiG, so we should have designated fuel stations that will supply fuel in ZiG notes.”

Economist, Mr Persistence Gwanyanya, who is also a member of the RBZ Monetary Policy Committee, recently hailed the new currency, saying it had brought renewed hope on the country’s currency situation and the economy at large.

“It presents a future and a renewed hope on our currency, our stability situation and our economy at large. The issue of currency stability has grown to become a thorn in the flesh, but I think we are in the process of resolving it permanently.

“We have decided to link the currency to special minerals so as to manage currency stability through a structured currency called ZiG.

“We have also seen the improvement, interventions on the market for foreign currency with the abandonment of the foreign currency auction system and the adoption of a more transparent and more effective system where the central bank will continue to support, but will give the market greater leeway to be interacting,” he said.

Last week, Air Zimbabwe joined another local airline fastjet which was already accepting ZiG, boosting public confidence in the new currency introduced on April 5.

“We are pleased to advise that Air Zimbabwe accepts ZiG payments for ticket purchases through our sales offices.

“This move reflects our commitment to adapt to the evolving financial landscape and offer our stakeholders convenient payment options.

“As we integrate Zimbabwe Gold currency into our payment systems, we are finalising the process for its acceptance on our online payment platform,” said Air Zimbabwe in a statement.

The national airline said it understood the importance of providing seamless and secure online transactions, and had been working diligently to ensure that the option of online payment was available to its valued customers.

“Air Zimbabwe remains dedicated to providing excellent service to our passengers while embracing innovative solutions that benefit both our customers and the economy.

“We appreciate the continued support of our stakeholders as we navigate these changes together,” said Air Zimbabwe.

The new currency is backed by a combination of gold, precious minerals and foreign currency reserves.

Notably, all ZiG banknotes and coins are produced locally.

The ZiG notes and coins will be drip-fed into the market in denominations ranging from ZiG1 to ZiG200.

The new currency replaced the Zimbabwe dollar, which was rapidly depreciating against major currencies since the beginning of the year.

RBZ has in its reserves, US$100 million in foreign currency and 2,5 tonnes of gold valued at US$185 million.

Mthabisi Tshuma, [email protected] Amai’s Kitchen, a stand that showcased the philanthropic efforts of First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa to empower women, the girl child, youths, the elderly, and those with disabilities among other vulnerable groups, proved popular at the just-ended Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF). It attracted hundreds of visitors including foreigners. Notable among the […]

Blessings Chidakwa, Harare Bureau

PRESIDENT Mnangagwa is today expected to preside over the triple burial of national heroes, Cdes Nash Nyasha Dzimiri, Tsitsi Grace Jadagu and Brigadier-General Shadreck Vezha, at the National Heroes Acre, the second ceremony of its kind since independence in 1980.

Multitudes of people are expected to throng the national shrine, with transport having been mobilised from all provinces to afford people the opportunity to bid farewell to the national heroes.

The first triple burial was witnessed in 2021, when the then Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Lieutenant General Sibusiso Busi Moyo, Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Dr Joel Biggie Matiza and former Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services Commissioner-General Major-General Paradzai Zimondi were interred on the same day.

All died of Covid-19-related complications.

Yesterday, church services were held in honour of the three departed national heroes.

The memorial service for Cde Dzimiri was at his Mt Pleasant house, while that of Cde Jadangu was held in Chitungwiza. Brig-Gen Vezha’s service was held at Charles Gumbo Barracks (formerly One Commando Barracks) in Harare.

The respective families were at Charles Gumbo Barracks yesterday for formalities, where the bodies of the three national heroes lay in State ahead of burial today. 

Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe said all was in place for the triple burial, with the programme scheduled to start earlier than usual.

“We expect mourners and dignitaries to be seated by 7am. President Mnangagwa will preside over the burials,” he said.

Minister Kazembe said Vice-Presidents Dr Constantino Chiwenga and Kembo Mohadi, as well as the Zanu-PF national chairman Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, were also expected to be in attendance.

He said just like other national events, everyone was welcome to attend, including members of opposition political parties and the diplomatic corps.

Cde Dzimiri was born on June 24, 1958, in Shurugwi and died on April 16 after a short illness, while Brig-Gen Vezha died in a road traffic accident on the same day.

Cde Dzimiri joined the liberation struggle in 1976.

He survived Rhodesian raids that killed thousands of comrades at both Nyadzonia and Chimoio camps in 1976 and 1977, respectively.

He was later selected to undertake security and intelligence training at the famous Nanking Military Academy in China.

At independence, he was attested into the Air Force of Zimbabwe, before being transferred to the Zimbabwe National Army, which he left in 1981.

In 1983, while taking a walk in Harare, he had a chance meeting with President Mnangagwa, who was the then Minister of State Security.

He was subsequently recruited to join the intelligence service as a junior officer.

At the time of his death, he was the Central Intelligence Organisation’s director for investments.

Brig-Gen Vezha was born on August 10, 1961, in Chivi District.

After writing his O-level examinations, he joined the liberation struggle as a Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army (ZANLA) combatant and was trained at the front.

During the ceasefire in 1979, he was based at Dzapasi Assembly Point Base 2, where he underwent further military training.

In early January 1980, he was nominated to travel to North Korea for further military training at Kim Chong Ju Military Academy and Kim II Sung Military University until 1982.

On completion of military training in North Korea, he returned home and was attested into the Zimbabwe National Army on August 1, 1982.

He rose through the ranks to become Brigadier-General in 2018.

Cde Jadagu, who was born on March 11, 1943, in Murewa, succumbed to a short illness on April 18, the day the nation was celebrating its 44th independence anniversary.

She first trained as a police officer and later became a teacher.

During the liberation struggle, she was a war collaborator and after independence, she served as councillor for Ward 16 in Chitungwiza.

She was subsequently appointed special interest councillor in 2013 and senator in 2014.

Cde Jadagu started her political career when she was 17 years old in Mangwende Village, where her uncle (father’s brother) was a chief and an active member of ZAPU.

During the time, her family, led by Chief Mangwende, had a conflict with the Rhodesian native commissioner over national politics.

The whole family was then forced out of the village, which resulted in them seeking refuge in Old Highfield.

That is when she became a youth member of ZAPU, together with the late Cdes Sabina Mugabe, Tsitsi Munyati, Ruth Chinamano and many others.

The national heroine also served in various senior posts in Zanu-PF, including Women’s League Political Commissar in 1983, Central Committee member and National Consultative Assembly member.

Currently, there are 170 heroes buried at the national shrine, but 32 others who were accorded national hero status are buried elsewhere.

There have been four double burials conducted at the national shrine since 2016.

National heroines Cdes Victoria Chitepo and Vivian Mwashita were buried at the same time in 2016.

Then in 2017, national heroes Cdes Maud Muzenda and George Rutanhire were also buried simultaneously, as was the case with Cdes Ellen Gwarazimba and Cde Morton Paul Malianga in January 2021.

Last year, on Heroes Day, the country also witnessed the double burial of Ambassador Johannes Tomana and Brigadier-General Milton Siziba.