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The association’s president, Mr Killer Zivhu, said the Rand and Travellex cards, which are meant to enable easy access to money by travelers, were also introduced to avoid the carrying of large sums of money by cross border traders who travel to South Africa and other countries regularly.

“This was the association’s initiative in conjunction with a local bank as we try to kill and destroy the black market in the country. Traders and travellers can access the cards by opening accounts with the local bank. 
“Account holders can simply deposit their money in their accounts that are activated to the Rand Card and access the money from over 26 000 automated teller machines (ATMS) in South Africa.
“The Travellex Card can be used just like the Rand Card anywhere else besides South Africa. The cards can be swiped at any point of sale, supermarkets and food outlets,” said Mr Zivhu.
He said thousands of cross border traders were facing problems everyday which had to be addressed as the trading industry contributed immensely to the country’s economy.

“Zimbabweans have become targets of robberies in South Africa and other countries. It is a well-known fact that when they travel they carry huge sums of money with them.

“When accidents occur on the roads, it is difficult to recover the money belonging to passengers,” said Mr Zivhu.

He said the association was also offering other services, which would be of great assistance to cross border traders.
“We are also offering personal and business loans, fly and pay later and travel and pay later services where travellers can pay fares after 30 days.

“Cross border traders can also benefit from our new funeral cover with repatriation, medical cover and loans to acquire travelling documents,” said Mr Zivhu.

He said people were still facing problems with the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) officials especially at the borders in Plumtree, Beitbridge and Victoria Falls.- Chronicle