Zimbabwe’s Festive Season Marred by Skyrocketing Bus Fares and Commodity Prices

HARARE — As Zimbabweans gear up for the festive season, the joy is overshadowed by an abrupt surge in bus fares and the escalating cost of basic commodities, straining the wallets of many.

Bus companies have exploited the holiday rush, hiking fares by over 50%, leaving commuters like Mirriam Makamba, who now faces a doubled fare to Marondera, in dismay.

The economic downturn has coincided with this holiday period, with the local currency, ZiG, trading at a dismal rate against the US dollar, further impacting the affordability of travel.

At Mbare Musika, the heart of Harare’s transport hub, fares have seen unprecedented increases; a trip to Mutare now costs US$20, up from US$10, and Chiredzi fares have doubled to US$25.

The price surge is not just limited to transportation; the festive season has brought with it an unwelcome rise in the prices of essentials like sugar, cooking oil, and rice.

Residents like Allan Govera are feeling the pinch, as their salaries in ZiG no longer stretch to cover the now inflated grocery bills due to the currency’s devaluation.

In downtown Harare, where transactions are mainly in US dollars, the cost of living has also spiked, with a 2-litre bottle of cooking oil jumping from US$3 to between US$3.40 and US$4.

Clothing, too, has seen its prices climb, with a pair of jeans now costing between US$15 and US$20, a significant jump from last week’s rates.

Tafadzwa Goliath from the Passenger Association of Zimbabwe noted that not all operators have increased fares, advising commuters to check before planning their travel.

Despite the economic challenges, the grain milling sector, according to Tafadzwa Musarara of the Grain Millers Association, has managed to keep up with demand, with supplies outstripping needs by nearly 39%.

However, the festive cheer is less apparent in formal retail, where businesses are closing earlier due to decreased footfall, signaling tough times ahead for the sector and potential job losses.

The informal sector, thriving without the burden of taxes, has captured a significant market share, further straining formal retailers who contribute to the national tax base.

This scenario paints a stark picture of a festive season where celebration is tempered by economic hardship, with Zimbabweans navigating through a maze of high costs and diminished purchasing power.