ZBC

THE Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has re-assured the nation that bond notes are still legal tender.

This follows recent reports that some retail outlets and business entities are not accepting bond notes.

In an exclusive interview with ZBC News, RBZ Governor Dr John Mangudya dismissed social media reports that bond notes are no longer acceptable.

“People should have trust with our money, it is disheartening for some people to spread such lies and misinforming the public, I have seen some women circulating information that the bonds notes are no longer acceptable, this is fake news which should not be accepted because the notes still have its value,’’ said the Governor.

Dr Mangudya advised people who have been holding onto large amounts of bond notes to deposit them or use them for buying goods.

“My assurance is that the bond notes are still legal tender, the two, five, ten and twenty notes are still legal tender which can be used interchangeably, i am aware the money is acceptable in all big shops, while those who are nearer to the banks can go and deposit and get new notes,” the RBZ boss said.

The issue of bond notes also came under the spotlight in parliament recently, with Finance and Economic Development Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube assuring the nation that bond notes remain a medium of exchange but will be phased out gradually and replaced by the new notes.