ZIG Cash Shortage Sparks Kombi Chaos, Passengers Bear the Brunt
By Loyd Matare
A deepening shortage of ZIG notes is wreaking havoc on Harare’s public transport system, with passengers and kombi crews clashing daily over small change.
The crisis has therefore, prompted urgent calls for intervention from the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ).
Disputes over lack of change have escalated into heated arguments and, in some cases, physical confrontations as kombi operators are struggling to give passengers proper change for short-distance fares, exposing the practical weaknesses of Zimbabwe’s newly introduced ZIG currency.
In a public advisory, the Passengers Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ) warned that the note scarcity has become a serious commuter safety concern.
“We are receiving disturbing reports of passengers being harassed or turned away simply because kombi operators don’t have change. This is unacceptable,” said PAZ national coordinator Tafadzwa Goliati.
“We urge the Reserve Bank to urgently increase the circulation of ZIG notes. The current cash crunch is eroding public confidence and creating chaos on the ground.”
Commuters who spoke to AfroGazette said they have endured enough, and it’s time for government action.
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“At this point, we’re pleading with the government because we’re tired of always being told there’s no change,” said Rudo Machingura, a commuter from Sunningdale.
“Now they just tell us to pair up with another passenger when we disembark, because there’s no change.
“Imagine being forced to pair with someone going in a completely different direction or having to buy something you don’t need just to break your note.
“You budget your money for the whole month, but you end up broke before the month even ends.”
Another commuter, Tafara Dube from Warren Park, echoed the frustration.
“It’s unfair what’s happening with these kombis. As commuters, what are we supposed to do? We can’t print ZIG notes ourselves. The government should intervene immediately,” she said.
Beyond the currency woes, PAZ also criticized the disunity among kombi associations in Harare, accusing them of neglecting passenger needs and failing to work together for common solutions.
“Commuters have no effective representation because they’re excluded from key decision-making platforms,” said Goliati.
“As long as kombi associations remain fragmented and obsessed with comparing themselves to bus operators, issues like compliance, vehicle fitness, seating capacity, and fair fares will remain unresolved.”
PAZ is calling for accountability and a shift in mindset among transport associations, urging them to put passengers first.
“The mindset must change. Treat passengers as kings, not burdens. Unity within the sector and proper representation of commuters is the only way we’ll see meaningful reforms,” Goliati added.
