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Charity Ruzvidzo Business Reporter—
CONSUMERS are in a dilemma over the use of Botswana coins with businesses in Bulawayo now refusing transactions using the neighbouring country’s “old” coins. Botswana announced the introduction of a new family of coins in February this year replacing those that have been in circulation. Botswana’s central bank reported the use of the old coins would cease with effect from August 28, 2019 and advised members of the public to exchange the old coins at the nearest commercial bank by August 2014.

Thereafter, “the old coin will be exchanged only at the Bank of Botswana in Gaborone and Francistown for a period of five years until August 28 2019,” read a notice by the Bank of Botswana. The phased out coins range from between P1 and P5 and 5 Thebe to 25 Thebe.

A number of consumers and retailers who spoke to Business Chronicle yesterday said they were in a catch-22 over the “Bots” coins issue.
“We no longer accept old Botswana coins since the introduction of new coins early this year. Customers should bring new coins only,” said Morrin Nyoni, an attendant at Choppies Supermarket.

A Bakers Inn worker who only identified himself as Honest also said they no longer accepted the old Botswana coins. “The old Botswana coins are no longer accepted here but we’re only taking new ones,” he said.

However, retailers like Zapalala said they accepted both new and old coins.
“We’re accepting the old and new coins. They are handy as we use them for change,” said a worker from the shop who preferred anonymity.
Lydia Ncube from Home Sweets shop also said they were accepting old and new coins.

Affected consumers complained over the confusion in the use of the currency.
“The issue of Botswana coins is now confusing because some shop owners accept the old coins. Other retailers no longer accept both the new and old coins and prefer to use the South African rand,” said Kwanele Tshuma.

“The confusion created by these retailers’ inconveniences us as consumers.”
Others said commuter omnibus were also refusing the old coins as payment for fares.
Consumer Council of Zimbabwe executive director Rosemary Siyachitema said she was not aware of the issue.