The prevailing cash shortages have left many pensioners stranded and sleeping in bank queues to withdraw cash from banks, The Chronicle reports.
Mobile Money traders are also charging a 40% premium per transaction which has further increased the pensioners’ plights.
The Chronicle spoke to some pensioners who were in a queue waiting to get some money and this is what they had to say:
Goods are slightly cheaper when you buy in cash from the street and when paying bus fare. I am a pensioner and I spent over 35 years in service. I was contributing my pension money to prepare for my retirement but now I live like a person who was disorganised and did not make preparations for retired life. It is very difficult. I live in Kezi – Mr Jiyane
I have no choice but to queue because I need cash to travel to work and I also need cash to buy mealie meal and basic foodstuffs from informal traders because they are cheaper than thebig supermarkets – Mrs Munyemba
We as old people use to get preferential treatment but now. I must wait in line and fight for a place with the youths. It’s not easy – Mr Mthunzi
I served in the ministry of education for 40 years. In 2008, we lost our savings. Now with the new currency, it is happening again. Our pension payouts were more stable during the US dollar era. I want to get my money in cash because in Lower Gweru there is no swipe facility. Here in the city, there are $20 bank charges per swipe transaction. They further corrode my meagre pension. Imagine when I want to do three different transactions, for bill payments, groceries and at the pharmacies. I have since cancelled my landline subscription at home and rely on the cellphone, which is mostly for receiving calls – Ms Ncube
More: The Chronicle