13/10/2024
KALOBA - USURY
Borrowing money with a high interest rate can have severe financial consequences, especially for unemployed single parents and civil servants. In Zambia, these groups are particularly vulnerable due to low or inconsistent income, making it challenging to repay loans with high interest. Let’s break down the impact with clear and practical examples:
1. Debt Accumulation
When borrowing with a high interest rate, the total amount to be repaid can quickly balloon due to compounding interest.
Example (Unemployed Single Parent): A single parent borrows ZMW 10,000 at an interest rate of 30%. If the repayment period is 12 months, the interest alone will amount to ZMW 3,000. If the parent is unable to make regular payments, penalties may increase the amount owed, resulting in a debt trap.
Example (Civil Servants): Civil servants, despite having regular income, often borrow due to delayed or insufficient salaries. For instance, borrowing ZMW 20,000 with a 25% interest rate over 2 years could lead to significant debt if salary deductions barely cover the interest.
2. Reduced Disposable Income
Repaying high-interest loans reduces disposable income, leading to financial strain and reducing the ability to cover daily necessities such as food, education, and healthcare.
Example (Unemployed Single Parent): An unemployed single parent who borrowed ZMW 5,000 to cover medical bills might need to repay ZMW 6,500 due to a high interest rate. This extra ZMW 1,500 burden could mean the parent struggles to buy food or pay for their child’s school fees.
Example (Civil Servants): Civil servants who already face tight budgets due to family obligations might find that large portions of their salaries are diverted to loan repayments. This creates additional pressure, especially when unexpected expenses arise.
3. Increased Stress and Mental Health Issues
The psychological impact of high-interest loans cannot be ignored. Unemployed single parents and civil servants alike often experience anxiety, stress, and depression due to mounting debt.
Example (Unemployed Single Parent): A mother who cannot find stable employment and owes ZMW 15,000 in loans might face severe stress trying to juggle debt payments and the needs of her children. This stress often leads to mental health problems, which are compounded by poverty.
Example (Civil Servants): Civil servants, particularly those facing wage freezes or salary delays, may resort to loans to make ends meet. With a significant portion of their paychecks going toward repayments, they could experience high levels of stress, resulting in lowered work productivity and health deterioration.
4. Collateral Loss and Seizure of Assets
High-interest loans often come with harsh terms, including collateral requirements, meaning failure to repay can result in loss of property or assets.
Example (Unemployed Single Parent): If a single parent secures a loan using their small business assets (e.g., market stall), failure to make repayments due to high interest could result in the lender seizing these assets. This loss could eliminate the parent's only source of income, worsening their financial situation.
Example (Civil Servants): Some civil servants may use valuable assets (land or a house) as collateral for loans. In case of missed payments due to unforeseen expenses, the civil servant may lose their property, thereby risking their family's security.
5. Dependency on Informal Lenders (Shylocks)
High-interest loans often push individuals to borrow from informal moneylenders, who offer even worse terms. Shylocks in Zambia are notorious for charging exorbitant interest rates and using intimidation tactics to collect.
Example (Unemployed Single Parent): A single mother who borrows from a shylock to pay off other loans may face interest rates of up to 50%, making repayment nearly impossible. If she defaults, she may face harassment or threats from the lender.
Example (Civil Servants): A civil servant who is denied loans from banks due to existing debts may turn to informal lenders. However, this often leads to spiraling debt, with interest rates far exceeding those of formal banks, resulting in a vicious debt cycle.
6. Limited Future Borrowing Capacity
High-interest loans can damage a borrower’s credit rating, limiting access to future loans at more favorable terms.
Example (Unemployed Single Parent): A single parent who defaults on a high-interest loan might find it difficult to secure future loans for essential needs, such as a child’s education or emergency healthcare, from formal institutions.
Example (Civil Servants): Once civil servants fall behind on their high-interest loans, they often find themselves blacklisted by financial institutions. This reduces their ability to access emergency funds and forces them to rely on informal channels, which exacerbates their financial vulnerability.
Conclusion
High-interest borrowing creates a heavy financial burden for individuals, especially vulnerable groups like unemployed single parents and civil servants. The long-term effects include a debt trap, financial insecurity, mental health challenges, and even loss of assets. For Zambia, where unemployment is high and wages are often delayed or insufficient, the impact of such loans can deepen poverty, increase dependency on informal lenders, and erode long-term financial stability. Sustainable financial planning and access to lower-interest borrowing options could mitigate these issues, but education on financial literacy and stronger regulatory measures are essential for protecting the vulnerable.