Tonderai Saharo
Masvingo residents have expressed outrage following the city council’s recent decision to prohibit payments in local ZiG currency through bank swipe cards if the cardholder’s name does not match the account being settled.
This controversial move has sparked widespread discontent, leading many to take to social media to voice their concerns and question the legality of the directive.
In a wave of online backlash, local residents have raised red flags over the potential consequences of this policy.
“Can it not be challenged in court or through residents’ associations because tenants are being taken for granted?” one resident lamented.
Others echoed similar sentiments, fearing that the council’s decision might lead to a significant increase in defaults on rates payments.
Another resident pointedly asked, “Did Mthuli Ncube and his team come up with these monetary policy regulations which undermine our local currency?”
Critics argue that the new regulation will disproportionately affect tenants whose landlords reside outside the country, as these homeowners often rely on their tenants to settle bills in their absence.
In defense of the council’s decision, Ward 10 Councilor Sengerai Manayanga said the measure is not contrary to the government’s monetary policies regarding the use of local currency.
Instead, he added that , it aims to combat the rise of illegal street forex dealers who have literally camped at the Civic Centre raiding those who want to pay in US$ and giving them swipe cards.
“The wisdom behind the release of the condition is not against the government’s monetary policy; the aim is to curb the influx of money changers,” he said.
However, local advocacy group Masvingo United Residents and Ratepayers Alliance (MURRA) is not taking the matter lightly.
Spokesperson Godfrey Mutimba stated that the organization will not remain passive while residents’ rights are compromised.
“As a resident representative, we are going to have a meeting with the city fathers where we will table our concerns. If that does not yield desired results, we will use other strategies which I will not preempt at the moment,”
“But the bottom line is that we cannot allow this to happen.” Mutimba declared.
As tensions rise, residents and local leaders alike are calling for transparency and accountability from the Masvingo City Council.
City of Masvingo Mayor Aleck Tabe told The Midweek Watch that they are convening an emergency meeting over the directive to clarify the misconception created.
“We are not saying tenants should not swipe using cards that do bear the owner’s name, we are trying to stop illegal money changers from using one card to pay for 20 properties so we are going to have a meeting in order reword the announcement so that it is clear,” said Tabe.
