Bleak Christmas for Zimbabweans
CLOUDINE MATOLA
As the economic crisis worsens, many Zimbabweans will probably find this year’s Christmas and New Year’s celebrations muted as they try to make ends meet, Business Times can report.
With just two weeks remaining, the state of the economy and the declining value of the Zimbabwean dollar relative to other major currencies indicate that the holiday season will be bleak for many Zimbabweans.
Consequently, the prices of basic commodities have gone up beyond the reach of many, meaning the cost of living is rising.
On the black market, the Zimbabwe dollar was yesterday trading at ZW$10000: US$1 whilst the official bank rate was ZW$5903: US$1.
The central bank claimed that the introduction of gold coins would stabilize both inflation and the exchange rate. However, this has not been the case as the Zimbabwe dollar continues to lose value.
President of the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) ,Obert Masaraure told Business Times yesterday the festive season will be bleak.
“There will be no festivities for teachers. The underpaid teachers are hard pressed to foot the bill for the basics. Teachers and the majority of workers no longer have the luxury to celebrate Christmas. Everyday under the sun is now a mourning day for the pauperised teachers,” Masaraure said.
Secretary general of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Union, Japhet Moyo concurred.
“Normally the festive season used to be a merry time with friends, relatives and families but that is not likely to be the case this this time,” Moyo said.
He added: “Unfortunately this festive season is going to be dry as a result of erratic rains and that is likely to push prices higher as we enter 2024
Prices have been unpredictable as a result of unstable currency and that has made planning very difficult
So many workers are still earning their salaries in Zimbabwe dollars while goods and services that we use every day are all pegged in United States dollars.”
