The Sunday News
Eddious Masundire Shumba and Kingstone Kwembeya, Luveve, Bulawayo.
ZIMBABWEANS from all parts of the country were left stranded during the just ended festive season after they failed to access affordable basic commodities from the shops due to the black market.
Most people have called on the Government to control the black market in Zimbabwe since it is threatening to tear our country into pieces. It surprises many that almost every basic item is only available on the black market where the merciless vendors are not prepared to accept any form of payment but preferred only cash.
Residents especially those from big cities like Bulawayo and Harare were very much worried and feel that until the Government departments put some measures to control the black market then it means the country will slide into a big problem.
We were shocked to see that ever since the price of maize was slashed about a month ago the mealie-meal is only available on the streets where only cash is accepted as the only mode of payment.
Some milling companies are now diverting the roller meal to the black market instead of giving it to retail outlets.
We heard that also some of the supermarkets were now also preferring to supply the black market with roller meal while they are left selling the super refined mealie-meal whose price is not subsidised.
We urge the anti-corruption team to try by all means to investigate and make sure that everyone who is involved in corrupt activities is arrested because we can truly not accept a situation where maize meal is only available at shops around the market but nowhere to be seen in shops. We don’t even know what exactly is happening.
Parents have no money to buy basic commodities at exorbitant prices because as we speak the school term begins next week and the school fees have been increased and if nothing is done, we will see a number of children dropping out of school.
We hope the Government will work with local authorities and bring the black market activities in the country to an end because we are now fed up.
