Story by Tichaona Kurewa
AUTHORITIES have launched a province-wide education and awareness campaign on the upgraded Big Five ZiG banknote series, as part of efforts to strengthen public understanding and confidence in the currency.
The high-level stakeholder engagement, held in Lupane on Tuesday, brings together government officials, local authorities and traditional leaders, who pledge to cascade accurate information to communities across the province.
Officials from the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe outline the security features and policy framework underpinning the ZiG currency, emphasising transparency and sustained public engagement.
Director of Economics in the Office of the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Matabeleland North, Mr George Mukwakwami, assures the central bank of provincial support.
“To the Reserve Bank team, I want to assure you of our utmost support as Matabeleland North Province. The province has activated all Government apparatus from the grassroots level to ensure the programme is a success,” he said.
District Development Coordinator for Lupane, Mrs Ennety Sithole, says awareness will be integrated into existing community structures.
“We are integrating awareness on ZiG notes into our ward meetings and development forums so that communities receive accurate information. Our focus is to ensure that no one is misled and that everyone is comfortable using the new notes. We will also use WhatsApp groups and other fora to raise awareness,” Lupane, District Development Coordinator, Mrs Ennety Sithole noted.
Local authorities indicate that service delivery platforms will also be used to reinforce messaging. Kusile Rural District Council Chief Executive Officer, Mr Sifiso Hadebe, says council meetings and community engagements will highlight the features and benefits of the upgraded notes.
“As a council, we are leveraging our interaction with communities through service delivery platforms and full council meetings to explain the features and benefits of the ZiG notes.”
Traditional leaders signal their commitment to support the campaign at village level.
“As traditional leaders, we are custodians of our communities. We will use village meetings to explain the importance of the ZiG notes and encourage our people to embrace the currency,” Chief Menyezwa, Lupane District, Mr Meluleki Gumede noted.
“We will work closely with Government officials to ensure that our communities understand the ZiG notes. We will convene meetings with village heads so that they can further cascade the message to their respective communities. When information is shared openly and clearly, it strengthens confidence and unity,” Chief Mabhikwa, Lupane,Mr Zanele Khumalo said.
The engagement marks the beginning of a province-wide campaign aimed at strengthening public understanding and confidence in the upgraded ZiG banknote series.
