Abstract

The study explored the reasons of rejection, acceptability and usage of the bond coins by Zimbabweans as well as the challenges they faced in their usage. To achieve the overall aims of the study, an explanatory sequential design (ESD) of mixed-methods was used to explore the people and institutions’ views on the rejection and acceptability of bond coins in Zimbabwe.  A sample of 100 vendors, 60 commuter operators, 20 economists, 10 reserve bank of Zimbabwe officials, 10 banks, 100 supermarkets and 100 informal traders were used. Quantitative data was gathered using a questionnaire whilst qualitative data was generated using telephone interviews with public institutions, banks and professionals.  Survey data was captured in SPSS and presented in the form of tables and graphs while descriptive statistics were computed and used in the interpretation of the findings. The findings showed that bond coins were initially rejected when they were introduced in December 2014, because people felt that the RBZ was clandestinely introducing the local currency through the back door.  With the deterioration of the South African rand (ZAR) against the US Dollar (USD) in 2015, the results showed that the acceptability of the bond coin spiked. Evidence showed that charges levied by banks to the public for transacting in rand coins and the fall of ZAR were the major drivers to the acceptability of the bond coins. Thus, the research indicated that the demonetization of the rand coins in Zimbabwe was a result of public perception on the bond coins. The findings showed that there is a possibility that the public may begin to shun the bond coins once the rand rebounds against the USD. The study recommended an increased awareness campaign by the apex bank to allay fears inherent in Zimbabweans on the use of bond coins and to come up with a raft of measures to protect the ordinary traders and citizens. The research further recommends that the RBZ further play its oversight role to the maximum.

Key words: Bond coin, dollarization, problems, challenges.