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Inflation ravaged Zimbabwe introduces $100 note

Published

3 years ago

April 7, 2022

HARARE – Zimbabwe has introduced a new $100 note as inflation ravages the nation.

Announcing the new features of the dollar note in Statutory Instrument (SI) 68A of 2022, Finance minister Mthuli Ncube did not spell out the reasons for introducing the dollar note.

According to the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ), the country is facing galloping inflation and the new note shall be issued in terms of section 40(3) of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Act [Chapter 22:15].

Statutory Instrument 68A reads in part, “On the front side the dominant feature shall be the logo of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (three balancing rocks), with the visually impaired recognition feature to the left, latent image showing the denomination, windowed security strip inscribed “RBZ” with color shift from red to green, watermark with highlighted inscription “RBZ” and see-through of Zimbabwe Bird looking to the left in perfect register, as secondary features.

“On the back side, there shall be an impression of Great Zimbabwe Monument and the Baobab Tree, gold colour iridescent band showing the denomination of the note and see-through of the Zimbabwe Bird looking to the right.”

The RBZ last year introduced $10, $20 and $50 notes

In a statement, the RBZ said the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (the Bank) met on April 1, 2022 to consider developments in the domestic and international macroeconomic environment as well as the impact of global geopolitical factors on the economy.

The RBZ said: “While noting the decline in month-on-month inflation, from 6.99% in February 2022 to 6.31% in March 2022, the Committee was concerned with the escalation in annual inflation, from 66.11% to 72.70%, over the same period.

“The committee particularly noted that global inflation was on the increase as a consequence of the on-going Russia-Ukraine conflict which had secondary pass through effects on domestic and international prices.

“Rising prices of oil, gas, fertilizers and other related products had the effect of increasing global inflation and inevitably had a negative impact on domestic costs of production and was destabilising the foreign exchange market.

“In this regard, the committee reiterated the need for the bank to remain focused on inflation reduction and putting in place additional policy measures in response to the resurging inflationary pressures and foreign exchange parallel market activities.”

The RBZ said the committee resolved to review upwards the bank policy rate from 60 percent to 80 percent per annum; review upwards the medium-term bank accommodation facility Interest Rate from 40 percent to 50 percent per annum; review upwards the minimum deposit rates for Zimbabwe savings and time deposits from 10 percent and 20 percent per annum to 12.5 percent and 25 percent, respectively.

The committee also recommended the tightening of the monetary policy by reducing the quarterly reserve money growth target from 7.5 percent to five percent for the quarter ending June 2022; liberalising the foreign exchange market by allowing banks to conduct foreign exchange transactions of up US$1,000 under an arrangement agreed upon between banks and the RBZ and in terms of which individuals with free funds and entities/corporates holding foreign exchange in their foreign currency accounts (after meeting the statutory surrender requirements) shall be free to sell foreign currency to banks on a willing-buyer-willing-seller basis; and ensuring that commercial imports are processed through normal banking channels in line with international best practice. – VOA

Hwange

Hwange Local Board impounds cattle: Owners urged to claim animals

Published

2 days ago

December 18, 2024

VicFallsLive

BY WANDILE TSHUMA

The Hwange Local Board is urging livestock farmers to come forward and claim their cattle that were impounded by Council Police last week.

According to a notice issued by Acting Town Secretary Paul Mabhureni, the 10 animals have been unclaimed for over a week and are currently being held at the impound yard.

Farmers with missing cattle are advised to visit the Hwange Local Board offices to identify and claim their animals.

A daily fee will be charged for each impounded animal, and if the animals remain unclaimed after a month, the Council will auction them off .

The Hwange Local Board is also warning livestock owners to take responsibility for managing and controlling the movement of their animals to prevent them from encroaching into residential areas.

Council Police have increased patrols to reduce the presence of stray animals in these areas.

Residents are encouraged to report any stray livestock to the Council immediately.

Hwange

Victoria Falls City Council meeting aborted due to lack of quorum

Published

3 days ago

December 17, 2024

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A full council meeting scheduled to take place at the Victoria Falls City Council today was aborted due to a lack of quorum.

The meeting, which was initially scheduled for Thursday, was fast forward to today in the wake of reports of confusion at Town House.

The meeting was called to discuss the suspension of Town Clerk Ronnie Dube who was suspended two weeks ago on corruption allegations.

It was further reported that it was also to rescind the Housing Director Brian Nyamande.

However, only five councillors attended, falling short of the required six to form a quorum.

According to Mayor Tuso Moyo, the meeting was urgent, but the lack of quorum prevented any progress.

However, residents’ associations disputed this agenda, stating that the meeting was against the will of the residents and that they were expecting it to take place on Thursday.

Hwange District Residents Association and Victoria Falls Combined Residents’ Association representatives and a few residents were gathered outside the boardroom, awaiting the outcome of the meeting.

The suspension of Dube has sparked controversy, with many calling for transparency and accountability.

The aborted meeting has only added to the uncertainty, leaving many questions unanswered, HWANDRA chair, Hebert Ncube said after the meeting.

“We also gather that the minister, Daniel Garwe, has summoned the two and the mayor, deputy mayor to Harare tomorrow where they just came from again last week. There is so much pressure to rescind the suspension of Dube, but we are saying, he should come here and talk to the people and let justice handle this, then he can be rescinded.”

Hwange

Hwange Local Board cracks down on overdue license fees

Published

4 days ago

December 16, 2024

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

The Hwange Local Board has issued a stern warning to business owners with overdue license fees, stating that trading licenses for the 2025 license year will not be renewed for commercial properties with outstanding accounts.

According to a notice issued by Acting Town Secretary Mr. Paul Mabhureni, “Hwange Local Board would like to advise the business community that we will not renew trading licenses for the license year 2025 to all commercial properties whose accounts are in arrears.”

The notice further states that “The Business License Renewal period for the license year 2025 commenced in November 2024 and ends on 31 December 2024.”

Additionally, the notice reminds business owners that, “In terms of the Shop Licences Act Chapter 14.17, no person shall in any shop, store or other fixed place of business, carry on the trade or business of selling or letting for hire any goods except in terms of a shop licence.”

Business owners who fail to renew their licenses within the stipulated timeframe will face penalties, including a fine of one-twelfth of the appropriate license fee for each month or part thereof that has elapsed since their liability arose.

The notice concludes by advising business owners to ensure that their premises are inspected prior to renewing their trading licenses, and urging cooperation in settling outstanding accounts to avoid disruptions to their operations.