“I am aware of the new ticket system that is now dominant. Although we don’t recognise it as the official way of doing business we can not condemn it yet because the Government has not come up with a solution for the shortage of coins
country wide,” said the Governor.
Most supermarkets have come to accept tokens and give them out as change in place of coins, commuter omnibuses also openly accept the tokens which are printed with the route or destination.
Residents said the tokens had become an integral part of business in Gweru, and they have made trade easier.
“Basically these tickets have taken the form of bearer cheques and they have gained some form of value,” said Tapfuma Zvidzai a local.
Commuter bus operators interviewed revealed that tickets made their jobs easier as they did not have the task of looking for change.
“When this system was first introduced it was seen as a solution to the shortage of coins, it has since gained more prominence here in Gweru. We regard it as more of a form of payment and regard it as legal tender. It also simplifies our job as we don’t have to look for change. Our main call is for the government to readily find a permanent solution to this coin shortage problem,” said Kudzai Moyo, a tout plying the Ascot-Town route.
Students at the Midlands State University have also cashed in on the ticket action, with the nearby beer garden also accepting the tickets as payment. However, the students have been accused of grossly abusing this system by forging tickets.
Post published in: Economy