Zimbabweans love their DStv and are often willing to go to the black market to get the foreign currency needed to pay the subscription. At one point the RBZ revealed that on average Zimbabweans spend about US$45 million every six months on DStv subscriptions alone. Now there is a bit of good news for those tired of paying black market rates you can now pay for your DSTV subscription at the official rate!
A few months ago the RBZ said they were going to be opening up the foreign currency auction to the wider public via Bureau de Changes and it seems they are starting to deliver on that promise. A remittance company called Conti-Pay which also doubles as a Bureau de Change is now allowing Zimbos to pay for DSTV using the official “bank rate” i.e. the auction rate.
Their process is automated and makes use of a WhatsApp bot. To pay for your DSTV you need to follow these steps. First, you save the Bot’s number to your phone. You can do this automatically by scanning the QR code above or you can just save the number 0788 788 020 manually.
You can then send a WhatsApp message that says Hi to this number. You will then be asked for your ID number, full name and smartcard number. The poster seems to suggest that you will need to send a copy of your ID as well. I wouldn’t know, I don’t have a DSTV to subscribe to. I cut the cord a while back.
This is the RBZ trying to tame the black market rate
The biggest reason why there is a gulf between the official and unofficial rate is that access to the auction is restricted. Only the well-connected companies that know bigwigs have unfettered access. The wider public has to make do with the black market where you are free to buy whatever amount you want without answering a bunch of invasive questions.
By allowing the public to access foreign currency for at least some popular foreign currency requirements the Bank is hoping to ease pressure and reliance on the black market. This will at least slow down the rates climb a bit. It will be interesting to see how long the RBZ can keep this up though. That will be the difference between them succeeding or failing.
7 comments
At least try it am sure its costs you nothing instead of letting us know that you cut the cord and you dont know if it works
Well it is so simple you could try it yourself, I’m sure it costs you nothing… 😉
Homelink and POSB are also offering the service. For POSB its for POSB account holders only and it works.
So if we save USD apa where does it go thereafter
It’s to the black market,
RBZ cares you see
I have trying to pay for dstv through conticash , always get a negative response. Does it work for a srlected few. Fully registered.
How do i register for conticash
I you send me the link once more i lost my phone so i no longer have the platform and contacts