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FINANCE Minister Patrick Chinamasa yesterday finally delved into the debate on the proposed introduction of “bond notes” defending the legality of the move while promising that the government will not overstep its role by printing more than promised.
The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) last week announced the introduction of bond notes, which are backed by a $200 million African Import and Export Bank (Afreximbank) bond facility from which the “notes” derive their name, as an incentive for exporters.
But a highly sceptical public, once burnt when the then local currency was ditched in favour of multi-currencies in 2009 after it was ravaged by hyperinflation, is highly critical of the latest move, viewed as a back door introduction of the Zimbabwean dollar.
Chinamasa, who had until then, stayed out of the bond notes debate, was dragged into it in Parliament during yesterday’s question and answer session.
This was after opposition legislator Nelson Chamisa questioned the legality of the move by the central bank.
The Kuwadzana East legislator said Chinamasa was obliged to come to Parliament first to get approval for the Afreximbank facility in terms of the law and should also have played a lead role in announcing the introduction of the bond notes.
But Chinamasa said it was not necessary for the government to get parliamentary approval for an “overdraft” facility.
“That facility is an overdraft and we don’t come to Parliament for an overdraft authorisation but if it’s necessary, we’ll come,” he said.
The finance minister insisted consultations between the central bank and the ministry had been to the fullest extent possible before the announcement was made.
“No illegality has been committed, no unlawful action has been done. Whatever the (RBZ) governor has done, he has done within the law and it’s up to the honourable member, if he feels that any of those measures can be challenged in court, we’ll meet there.”
Chinamasa said the bond notes were simply an extension of the bond coins, and being introduced to address a cash crisis.
“You mustn’t forget that what triggered the measures announced last week was a cash crisis and cash has to do with monetary authorities,” the finance minister said.
“If there’s no money in the banks, it’s not the minister who should announce measures to deal with those issues; it’s the governor because he’s dealing with the financial systems.”
Chinamasa said he had stayed out of the bond notes debate for fear of politicising the issue.
“It’s very important that people look at those announcements on their own merit and not as if it’s a political measure,” he told the Parliamentarians.
“The rationale of those opposing bond notes, I don’t understand it, there’s no difference with the coins.”
Like the bond coins, the RBZ has said the bond notes will have 1:1 exchange rate with the United States dollar. — The Source
Bongani Ndlovu