FOR some months now Zimbabweans have endured abuse from retailers failing to give them the
correct change, especially for denominators below a dollar, after transactions.
Instead shops instruct customers to get extra items unplanned for, covering up for the change.
Bindura residents say the system is not only prevalent in retail outlets but also among public
transport operators.
King Manjoro of Chiwaridzo says that just last week he left nearly two US dollars with commuter bus
conductors as they claimed that they had no change every time he paid using a US dollar note.
Edmore Matseketu, Bindura Urban Public Transport Operators Association chairman, acknowledged
the accusations.
It was a case of concern to them also as their drivers and conductors end up harassed by passengers
for change.
“We, at one time introduced tickets one used after failing to get change. But some unscrupulous
persons started cloning tickets sold to people causing financial problems,” Matseketu said.
The Consumer Council of Zimbabwe (CCZ) has also raised its voice against this shortage, calling for
action from Treasury.
The CCZ’s chief executive officer, Rosemary Mpofu, said her organisation noted with concern current
scenarios regarding change situation prevailing in the market where consumers are being short-
changed during transactions.
"Consumers are being denied change, citing shortage of local currency or are either forced to
liquidate whole amount, be given coupons for future use, while in public transport they are forced to
pay double fares, inconvenienced to partner strangers as they seek change from traders, who in
most cases rate the amounts giving them less than what they entitled," she noted.
According to the Consumer Protection Act Chapter 14:44 Section 18, consumers have a right to
choose goods and services without any undue influence from service providers and retailers.
Section 35, states that consumers have a right to fair value, honest dealing and protection from
unconscionable conduct and thus service providers and retailers are prohibited from use of physical
force, coercion, undue influence, pressure, duress, harassment or unfair tactics against consumers.
Service providers contravening this section are liable to level five fines or imprisonment for a period
not exceeding six months or both.
“We recommend monetary authorities to have a holistic approach in addressing this issue with
ZwI$50 notes being rejected in market only accepted by formal big retail shops, further worsening
situation, and shortage of local currency in circulation,” pleaded Mpofu.
The trend of shortages of change started as early as August when street vendors and downtown
shop operators started refusing acceptance of ZW$50 bond notes.
