shloboe boe
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
STAKEHOLDERS from Matabeleland South have applauded the ongoing nationwide Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) “Big 5 ZiG” education campaign, which is aimed at promoting wider acceptance of the local currency.
The Apex Bank launched the Big 5 ZiG campaign in Matabeleland South yesterday as part of efforts to raise awareness among communities on the introduction of upgraded ZiG notes. The provincial launch was conducted in Gwanda and attended by chiefs, heads of Government departments, local authorities, party leaders and members of the business community.
Three teams have been deployed across districts in the province to educate communities under an awareness drive that will continue until 30 March.
Improved use and circulation of the ZiG aligns with the National Development Strategy (NDS) 2, which underscores macroeconomic stability, financial inclusion and sustainable development anchored on the greater use of the domestic currency to drive economic growth.
Experts argue that exclusive use of a country’s own currency enhances its growth potential and allows Government to apply autonomous fiscal, monetary and exchange rate policies that help shield the economy from recurring and asymmetric shocks.
Mr Moses Nkomo, a business community member, said authorities must follow up on ZiG usage to ensure it becomes a dominant mode of payment. He said for the ZiG to gain traction, it must be readily available in local banks and accepted even for fuel purchases.
“The challenge is that banks seem like they don’t have confidence in the ZiG currency. I recently went to the bank and requested for a loan in ZiG and they said they don’t offer loans in ZiG. In other provinces we know that the ZiG is powerful but in our province its presence and availability is lacking.
“As we speak, we have never held some of the ZiG notes and coins ever since the currency was introduced. If the money could circulate here then people will develop trust in it. As we speak, the Rand and US dollar are more popular in Matabeleland South than the ZiG,” he said.
Another business representative, Mr Lehlohonolo Mokeona, said the business community struggled to transact fully in ZiG if its circulation remained limited in the province. He said it was concerning that the ZiG was more readily available among illegal forex dealers than in formal banking channels.
Chief Maduna of Insiza District said it was unfortunate that most people in his area had never seen or handled the ZiG.
“It’s important for the ZiG to be accepted. The RBZ teams should move around with the ZiG notes during their campaign as most people in this region have never seen the ZiG or used it. People are transacting in US dollars and Rands. In Matabeleland you can’t find the ZiG in banks or shops. We only see it in areas like Gweru, Kwekwe, Chegutu and Harare,” he said.
Mangwe District Development Coordinator, Ms Matilda Mlotshwa, said information must be disseminated in local languages to ensure communities fully understand it.
In a speech read on his behalf by director for finance, administration and human resources, Mr Edward Mandeya, Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Albert Nguluvhe said the engagement marked a key step in ensuring the province was informed and aligned with the new monetary developments.
“The education and awareness campaign will go a long way in deepening financial literacy, fostering trust in our currency and empowering every Zimbabwean to participate more fully and confidently in our economy. Importantly, the education and awareness campaign will ensure that our people are knowledgeable about the upgraded ZiG banknotes so that they are not prejudiced of their hard-earned incomes and savings,” he said.
He urged stakeholders to support the RBZ teams and mobilise people to attend the awareness sessions.
“Let’s go out, spread the good news about our currency and ensure that we cover the width and breadth of the province,” he said.
RBZ deputy director for exchange control and financial surveillance, Mr Vuka Mlalazi — representing Governor Dr John Mushayavanhu — said the campaign would inform communities across the province about the design, colour, size and material of the new ZiG banknotes. He said RBZ teams would also educate the public on proper handling of notes and coins to prolong their lifespan.
“I encourage and urge all citizens to embrace and take pride in our upgraded Big 5 Zig Banknotes in everyday spending, commercial activities as well as savings and investment,” he said.
The new Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) banknotes will enter circulation on 7 April 2026, circulating alongside the series introduced in April 2024. Smaller denominations — ZiG10, ZiG20 and ZiG50 — will be released on 7 April, with ZiG100 and ZiG200 to follow at a later date.
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