Tinotenda Hove – The Government is once again on the defensive as criticism mounts over the persistent shortage of Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) notes, a problem that has left the public frustrated and businesses struggling to operate smoothly.

Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube admitted that authorities are now rushing to rectify the crisis after widespread complaints that the local currency is barely available in cash form. The ZiG notes—mostly used for change—have been in such short supply that many transactions have become unnecessarily difficult.

Speaking to The Herald during the 2026 Pre-Budget Seminar in Bulawayo, Ncube revealed that the public had repeatedly raised concerns during budget consultations, demanding that government address the embarrassing scarcity of its own currency.

He conceded that the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe is now being pushed to increase the amount of ZiG cash in circulation.
“The Government has a programme through the central bank… to increase the amount of cash that’s available in ZiG form so the public can feel this currency,” Ncube said.

In what many see as a reactionary move, he also promised the belated introduction of higher denomination notes, saying they would help improve convenience and durability.
“But also going forward, we will introduce higher denomination notes… and improve the quality of the notes so they are durable,” he added.

Despite the reassurances, scepticism remains high. For many Zimbabweans, the government’s pledge simply highlights how ill-prepared the ZiG rollout has been—and how far the currency still is from earning public confidence.