NEWS:Prostitutes In Zimbabwe Now Accepting Beans & Maize As Payment For Their Services

 

Remember a time when, at the height of the Zimbabwean inflation in the early 2000s, Zimbabwean men pushed wheelbarrows of cash to go buy bread and eggs at the grocery shop?

Well, today Zimbabwean men carry sacks of beans and maize to the streets to get some night action.

It is reported that prostitutes in Dema Growth Point, Zimbabwe are now accepting buckets of maize and cups of beans as payment from their cash-strapped male clients.

Some sex workers, who confirmed the development to New Zimbabwe, said they are finding it difficult to feed their starving families due to COVID-19 restrictions.

One of the sex workers simply identified as Alice appealed to the government and other organizations for low-interest loans to start income-generating projects to fend for their families as opposed to relying on prostitution.

“Gone are the days when we used to charge US$5 for the whole night. These days even one dollar is accepted, so that you are able to buy vegetables and tomatoes and cook something for your starving children,” one of the sex workers, who only identified herself as Alice, said.

“I have three children; one is doing Form 4. The child needs ZIMSEC (Zimbabwe Schools Examination Council) registration fees. The other is in Grade 7 and one is in Grade One. So you can see my predicament.

“I now even accept a bucket of maize or cups of dried beans as payment for sex services. At least I am assured that my kids will have porridge.

“We appeal to well-wishers, including the government to assist us to start income-generating projects. Our children are going to sleep at night on empty stomachs.” she said.

Another sex worker, Mavis said she could have opted to be a house helper but the local people do not pay.

“We tried this (domestic work) but the bosses do not pay. I once worked for five months with promises to be paid, but I left empty-handed,” she said.

“So, if we can get loans with low-interest rates, we can start our own projects and be able to look after our children.”

The sex workers spoke at a workshop meant to find ways aimed at reducing HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).