HAYTA behind ZIG, urges operators to accept bond notes
By Thomas Tawanda Siziva
Harare Youth Transporters Association HAYTA) has embraced the recently launched new currency, Zimbabwe Gold (ZIG) and urged its members to accept the Zimbabwe Dollar until the time it is phased out as change challenges continue to bite commuters.
Most local commuters were now being forced to pay $1 one way to either town or going back home because of the change challenge caused by unscrupulous transport operators who continue to shun the Zim Dollar.
RBZ governor Dr John Mushayavanhu is on record saying the Zim Dollar is still legal tender until the end of this month.
However, some transporters have made life difficult for commuters as they are refusing to accept Zim Dollar and have hiked fares to US$1.
In a statement of solidarity with the RBZ governor and second republic led by President Emmerson Mangangwa, Harare Youth Transport Operators Association chairman Edmore Tirivanhu Gwengwa said they are firmly behind the introduction of ZIG.
“As transport operators, we are fully behind the recently introduced Zimbabwe Gold-backed currency.
” We have confidence in the leadership of His Excellency Cde President ED Mnangagwa that this new currency will bring sanity into the economy.
“This move (by RBZ to introduce a new currency backed by the bullion) is in the right direction and will go a long way in addressing hyperinflationary challenges we have been battling with,” he said.
Gwengwa urged commuters not to panic as his association has instructed its members to accept Zimbabwe Dollar.
“We have been made aware that they were some uncouth elements who were refusing to accept the bond notes forcing our commuters to be stranded and paying double the fares.
” This an unfortunate situation and it’s regrettable to note.
“We have since instructed our law abiding transport operators to accept the bond notes because they are still a legal tender untill such a time they are phased out.
“There is no need for our commuters to worry because our transporters will accept their bond notes and enjoy affordable fares,” he said.
Speaking ahead of the independence holiday this week, Gwengwa urged transporters to observe road regulations and avoid speeding in order to avoid loss of life.
According to Traffic Safety Council, many accidents on the road are as a result of human error.
