Delta renews hostilities with beverage wholesalers

Delta Corporation has renewed hostilities with beverage wholesalers amid allegations that the beverage manufacturer is demanding payment within three days despite holding security from customers.

Wholesalers said they have been reduced to "cash customers" although Delta is holding security and does not allow a second bond on the collateral.

However, Delta said it accepted all forms of approved payment systems in Zimbabwe and was not aware of customers who have failed to make payments through any of the approved channels.

But traders said in many instances, wholesalers go for days without supplies while Delta claims to be waiting for electronic payments to start reflecting. Beverage Wholesalers and Retailers Association of Zimbabwe president Mr Isaac Kanjera said where traders are secured they should be given time to pay.

Company secretary  Alex Makamure said yesterday that Delta accepts all payments forms including rapid transfer gross settlement, cash, Ecocash and electronic cards, but admitted in some instances banks fail to process payments in time.