ZCTU slams govt for introducing of ZiG without con...

ZCTU slams govt for introducing of ZiG without consulting stakeholders

Zim Now Writer

Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions Secretary General Japhet Moyo has condemned government’s launching of the new currency, citing the lack of consultation with key stakeholders by monetary authorities before its launch.

The government yesterday introduced a gold-backed currency called ZiG, which is aimed at stabilising the economy.

Moyo said that past government interventions aimed at addressing persistent economic challenges primarily faltered due to authorities’ disdain for other crucial stakeholders.

“We have been there before, from agro bonds, bearer cheques, bond notes, RTGS, Nostro, ZWL, to Gold coins among other attempts to improve the economy and tame inflation to no avail. Once beaten, twice shy.

“As most Zimbabweans are aware, since independence in 1980, Zimbabwe has implemented no less than 30 economic blueprints and these blueprints have failed to extract ourselves from the problems the country is facing.

“In the process, Zimbabweans and workers have lost everything they have worked for their entire life from pensions, insurance policies and savings,” he said.

Moyo also criticised the government for failing to engage with the union on critical policy matters, asserting that national ownership of programs offers significant gains without any corresponding losses.

“What is unfolding in Zimbabwe is most worrying where the government has a silo mentality. How do we expect to succeed when programmes are being rolled out without stakeholder participation?

“How can the government approve such a fundamental policy on currency without stakeholder participation and ownership?

“What is the purpose of such high-sounding platforms like the Tripartite Negotiating Forum? This “we all know it” syndrome must come to an end,” he added.