Rudo Saungweme
Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has dismissed false reports by newspapers on 21 March 2019 on US$ payments to tobacco growers. The RBZ said that it would ensure that tobacco growers access their entitlement.
In a press statement, RBZ Governor, Dr John Mangudya said, “On 21st of March 2019, some newspapers incorrectly published stories purporting that the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe will no longer pay tobacco growers in United States Dollars. This is not the correct position as tobacco growers are being paid 50 percent of their net sales proceeds into their Nostro FCA accounts.”
The false reports which circulated on social media indicated that RBZ has failed to own up to what it had agreed with the tobacco farmers and the tobacco farmers are no longer willing to sell the crop.
RBZ said that the newspapers failed to understand the modalities that were agreed on by the tobacco merchants and growers.
“It appears the respective newspapers failed to understand the modalities that were agreed by the tobacco merchants and tobacco growers to ensure orderly marketing of the green tobacco.
“As agreed with the players in the tobacco industry, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe shall ensure that all tobacco growers have accessed their entitlement of 50 percent of the net tobacco sale proceeds into their Nostro FCA bank accounts.
“In addition to accessing cash at a rate of RTGS$0.50 per kg of tobacco sold, and up to a maximum of RTGS$300, the small scale tobacco growers, (i.e. those growers with 2 hectares and below), are eligible for a United States Dollars cash withdrawal of USD0.10 per kg of tobacco sold per sale, up to a maximum of USD50.00, after their Nostro FCA accounts have been credited with the foreign currency entitlement.”
The media has always been implored by the Government to report responsibly by sticking to the truth and seek clarity where they are not sure.
In a similar incident, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Honourable Monica Mutsvangwa dismissed false reports in the private media following President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s meet the people rally in Mwenezi district on 16 February. The private media had deliberately distorted President Mnangagwa`s message to suit a political narrative.
