Renowned journalist Hopewell Chin’ono has criticised the Zimbabwean government for its decision to persist in charging passport fees exclusively in foreign currency, despite advocating for its own currency, the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG), in other transactions.
In a public statement, Chin’ono questioned the government’s rationale behind the contradictory stance, emphasising the disparity between mandating the acceptance of ZiG for goods and services while refusing it for passport fees.
“The Zimbabwean Government has announced that it will continue to charge passport fees in US Dollars and will not accept its new local currency, the ZiG.”
He highlighted the government’s claims of ZiG being backed by gold and foreign exchange reserves, yet its reluctance to accept it as payment for essential services.
“It has been announced that it won’t accept its own currency, as reported in the government-controlled propaganda newspaper, the Herald.
Why wouldn’t they accept the local currency under such circumstances if it is truly backed by gold and foreign exchange reserves? As long as the ZiG is not accepted by its issuer, the Government, it will soon become worthless. Where do they expect Zimbabweans to obtain US Dollars when banks don’t have them, except through the black market?,” he posted.
The government’s justification for maintaining foreign currency payments for passports revolves around contractual obligations with the company responsible for implementing the electronic passport system.
However, Chin’ono and other critics argue that the preference for foreign currency among influential political figures involved in the passport deal undermines confidence in ZiG and exacerbates its depreciation.
Here reads the comments:
Leonard Koni @Leokoni
“We told Varakashi that ZiG is a scam and not a currency to use when conducting serious transactions but MIPURWA have a problem of accepting everything which comes from the Shake Shake building. By November 2024 ZiG will be lying idle in intensive care unit. We need new leaders.”
Dr BenSaimba@BSaimba
“Heyo mari iya yavakurambwa nevene vayo.Its clear now the gold backed narrative was as just fake,fake,fake!”
King Kunta@Kingkunta421
“Its complete nonsense if the gvt had confidence in the stability & convertibility of ZiG it will receive the 15 – 20% component of money supply in payments 4 passports & as they say ZiG is not only stable but gains at QPDs they wld then convert 2 USDs n pay the contractor n gain.”
With limited access to US Dollars through formal banking channels, Zimbabweans are increasingly compelled to resort to the black market to obtain foreign currency for essential services, further destabilizing the economy.
