Mealie-meal is in short supply, you are unlikely to find it in any supermarket where the government says you are supposed to get it for only $50 ZWL. On the black market a $10 kg will set you back $4-$7 depending on the brand and town in which you live. It seems some heartless people are profiting from people’s desperation and need.
Prominent and vocal Harare businessman Kuda Musasiwa has outlined in a Twitter feed how those who are connected and the bigwigs are taking advantage of the situation aided by the government’s ineptitude to make millions.
A small thread on how Mealie meal has become the new Fuel in Zimbabwe!
So the government removed subsidy on Maize meal through the Minister’s budget. The President then went on national TV and revoked the removal, and promised to revert to sub prices.
The Gov then imports Maize at about $9000 per Ton then wants it sold at $4000, Only gives a very select few the license and subsidy and ban all other millers from publically buying or selling maize at market price.
Gov then delay paying the sub to millers with red tape and paperwork, meaning retailers (like me) can NOT get the subbed mealie meal from any dealer officially to sell the $10kg at the gazetted $50.
Millers then attempt to sell retailers the Hupfu at the market price of $92 per $10kg or $3.80 USD. But then tell you, due to Hupfu being gov controlled, they can’t give you a true invoice of the cost you pay.
Clever people (read: connected to gov) who hoarded and knew the gap now sell the subbed product for real value on the streets for $70 CASH, then sell the cash for 150%, then go buy subbed product again. And Viola, Hupfu is the new FUEL.
PS: The Maize farmer is the biggest loser here!
Kuda Musasiwa Twitter
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