Albert Nyambara, a teacher from Marondera, has been summoned to court after being arrested for attempting to exchange his salary, paid in local currency (ZiG), for United States dollars.
Teachers, like other state employees, receive part of their salary in US dollars and the rest in ZiG. In Zimbabwe, the US dollar is the main currency used for transactions, comprising over 70% of the total.
Many government offices and businesses do not accept ZiG, forcing people to use unofficial foreign currency dealers to convert their local currency into USD.
The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has announced that Nyambara is set to appear before the Marondera Magistrates’ Court on September 23, 2024. ARTUZ criticized the situation, stating:
“Zimbabwe’s multi-currency system is supposed to remain until 2030, but this teacher is being penalized for preferring one currency over another within the same system.
The RBZ reported that USD transactions made up 70% of all transactions in early August 2024.
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The government does not accept ZiG for passports, and fuel traders refuse it as well. While employers reject USD, workers are forced to use ZiG.
This system punishes the less fortunate and benefits those with political connections.
This must change. Workers need to unite and demand their rights.”
Nyambara, who teaches at Waterloo Primary School in Macheke, was arrested on May 10, 2024. He faces charges of illegal foreign currency trading after he tried to exchange his ZiG for USD with undercover police officers.
According to police records, Albert Nyambara, 37, approached officers disguised as money traders outside N Richards Supermarket in Marondera. He reportedly offered his CABS card in exchange for US dollars to purchase groceries.