A number of banks are demanding the elusive United States dollar and an extra commission to process DStv subscriptions for locals as more plastic money payment avenues are being closed, sidelining a number of customers.
As the biting cash crisis worsens, locals may have to miraculously scrounge for hard cash to transact with Multichoice Zimbabwe, which does not accept direct payments.
Late last year, the television channels service provider heeded the public outcry and added more channels to their bouquets in addition to reducing their prices, which were deemed exorbitant in comparison to other countries.
However, some financial institutions have stopped processing cashless transactions, opting for cash at a time entertainment is serving as therapy for the frustrating realities Zimbabweans face every day.
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“It appears our accounts are stuck with bond notes which cannot pay for the services because cash is needed in US dollars and this is retrogressive because they are denying us access to better broadcasting.”
According to Ncube, most people are switching to free-to-air decoders which have access to some South African channels and other free news as well as kid channels which cost $55.
“I am sure prices for these alternatives would increase as people continue experiencing difficulties in paying locally for DStv. Others are subscribing directly to South Africa using dealers,” he said.
Even the other popular mobile payments can no longer be used to pay for DStv subscriptions and people like Ncube, are forced to watch ZBC at a time he had geared for the English Premier League.
MultiChoice Zimbabwe public relations manager Liz Dziva said their hands were tied as they cannot intervene when these problems are between the customer and the middleman.
“We do not have control over commissions they charge. Only the money that is paid for subscriptions come to Multichoice Zimbabwe,” said Dziva, who added that customers were at the mercy of the banks.
“MultiChoice Zimbabwe does not accept any form of payment directly from DStv customers,” she said.
“All payments for DStv subscriptions are made to financial institutions and then remitted to MultiChoice Africa. We have no control over, which payment methods the banks choose to make available for DStv subscribers.”
Dziva admitted that the inconveniences could affect their business: “Customer convenience in payment methods is also a factor, which affects our service levels and business and as such, we constantly strive to improve our efficiency to improve access for our valued DStv customers.”
Source: The Standard
