Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
TRADITIONAL leaders in Matabeleland South have called for the ongoing nationwide Big ZiG education campaign to reach remote communities in the province, to promote acceptance and use of the local currency.
The Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) remains scarce in the province, with most communities largely relying on the South African rand and United States dollars for transactions.
The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) last week launched the Big ZiG campaign in Matabeleland South, to raise awareness about the upgraded ZiG banknotes.
Teams are at present moving across districts in the province, educating communities, with the campaign set to run until March 30.
Chief Tshitaudze of Beitbridge District said the awareness programme should reach all communities, especially those in remote areas.
“The ZiG awareness campaign should not only introduce the upgraded notes but also reintroduce the currency, particularly for us in Matabeleland South,” he said.
“The campaign must cover as many communities as possible because in rural areas, ZiG notes are still foreign to people, as they have never handled them.”
Chief Tshitaudze said many businesses in rural areas were not accepting ZiG as legal tender and urged authorities to ensure the business sector is fully engaged.
“May this campaign thoroughly target the business community in rural areas. We will play our part in spreading the message, but enforcement will be the responsibility of the authorities,” he said.
The chief added that there should be proper supervision to ensure the currency is accepted after the awareness campaign.
Chief Kgwatalala of Gwanda District also called for intensified education efforts, noting that Matabeleland South is lagging in the acceptance and use of the local currency.
Chief Maduna of Insiza District said many people in his community had never seen or handled ZiG banknotes.
“Some people have never handled the ZiG. Matabeleland South should be integrated into the full use of the ZiG as part of Zimbabwe, just like other provinces,” he said.
He urged RBZ teams to carry ZiG banknotes during the campaign, to allow communities to familiarise themselves with the currency.
“People are mostly transacting in US dollars and rands here and you cannot easily find ZiG in banks or shops. We mostly see it being used in places like Gweru, Kwekwe, Chegutu and Harare,” said Chief Maduna.
Improved circulation and use of ZiG is in line with the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), which emphasises macroeconomic stability, financial inclusion and sustainable development, anchored on the use of a domestic currency.
From an economic perspective, the use of a national currency enhances growth potential and allows the country to implement independent fiscal, monetary and exchange rate policies to strengthen economic resilience.
Speaking during the launch of the campaign, Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Albert Nguluvhe said the awareness programme is a crucial step in ensuring communities are fully informed about the new currency developments.
He described the ZiG as a symbol of national sovereignty.
“The information shared during this campaign will help bring clarity, address concerns and foster collective ownership of the upgraded ZiG banknotes,” he said.
Minister Nguluvhe said the campaign focuses on educating communities about the design, colour, size and material of the new banknotes as well as proper handling of notes and coins to prolong their lifespan.
The campaign is expected to help strengthen public confidence in the ZiG as a stable and reliable currency.
The RBZ has unveiled a new series of ZiG banknotes set to enter circulation on April 7. The new notes will circulate alongside the existing series introduced in April 2024.
Lower denominations — ZiG10, ZiG20 and ZiG50 — will be released first, while higher denominations of ZiG100 and ZiG200 will be introduced later. — @DubeMatutu.
