cell card, the first of its kind in Zimbabwe.

Through the facility members can access South African rands for their trips to that country.
The card, which cements the partnership between CBAZ and Moonlight Funeral Assurance in repatriating cadavers in case of deaths outside Zimbabwe, was launched in Bulawayo last week.

Traders would be able to make deposits in US dollars but withdraw in rand as and when they needed to. Initially the rand component would be accessible in Bulawayo and Beitbridge only.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, Bulawayo Provincial Governor and Resident Minister Ambassador Cain Mathema applauded the initiative as a major step forward that would boost the thriving cross-border business.

Under the new card, CBAZ members would pay monthly bank charges of US$1,30 instead of the usual US$5 while withdrawal charges would be reduced to 0,75 percent instead of 2 percent. The maximum payable would be US$1 and a minimum of 10 cents per transaction.

With the cell card, traders would also be able to encash or deposit their Value-Added Tax refund cheques from South Africa, among other tailor-made benefits.
The initiative was well received by about 500 CBAZ members, mostly women, who attended the launch ceremony.

Ambassador Mathema challenged banks to become more user-friendly as Zimbabweans were still outside the banking system.
“We need a paradigm shift so that banks go out there to the people in as friendly a manner as possible,” he said.

Banks also needed to review their charges that had become too punitive for depositors.
“Why should depositors be made to pay bank charges when, in fact, the banks use depositors’ funds to lend and make profit? That is why many people have kept their money at home. They do not see the benefits of going to the bank,” said Ambassador Mathema.

Speaking at the same occasion, CBAZ president Mr Killer Zivhu said his association would continue to source partnerships and synergies to promote the women and men who were sustaining their families and having a positive impact on the economy through cross-border trading.

“We are not here to play but to do meaningful work. As an association we are looking for effective products . . . people want tangible results,” he said.,
To witness the launch were members from Chiredzi, Chimanimani, Victoria Falls, Mutare, Gweru, Harare, Gwanda and other centres. The association has more than 50 000 members countrywide. At least 600 000

Zimbabweans are engaged in crossborder trade.
This sector sustained families during the hyperinflationary years before the introduction of multiple currencies. When shelves were empty they would bring food, clothing and other basics from South Africa,

Botswana, Tanzania, Dubai and other parts of the globe. Many have managed to build houses and send their children to school through this trade
“We are rebuilding our membership bases after the pre-2009 economic hardships and we will reach out to the 600 000 traders very soon,” said Mr Zivhu.

He emphasised that cross-border traders had a role to play in building a new image for Zimbabwe.
“When you go out there, always remember you are representing your country,” said Mr Zivhu. “You need to dress appropriately and behave well to help build our country’s image.”

CBAZ was against border jumpers, he said, emphasising that members needed to have a valid passport as a prerequisite.
Kingdom Bank head of virtual banking Mr Timothy Chikomo said their relationship with CBAZ would result in more innovative ways of banking for cross-border traders.
“Although our relationship is presently still very new, we dream of so many opportunities that lie ahead of us,” he said.

The new cell card would empower traders who could also earn commission through installing “point of sale” machines on their tables or shops. Recently CBAZ also entered into a fly-now pay-later facility with Happy Travellers.

The travel agent’s managing director, Ms Beula Mudumi, said her organisation was intent on ensuring smooth travel for CBAZ members and Zimbabweans in general.
“We just do not want to sell tickets, we want to ensure your business prospers,” she said.

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