Zimbabweans are worried that the ban on the importation of goods from South Africa will starve their families and relatives if it is not urgently lifted.

The government of Zimbabwe has implemented Statutory Instrument Number 64 of 2016 with effect from last Friday, thereby restricting the importation of commodities into the country.

And the International Cross-Border Traders Association (ICTA) is demanding the government lift the ban on commodities "which cross-border traders and shoppers used to import into Zimbabwe".

Pamela Moyo, 40, said she used to buy groceries in Musina to send home to Mutare.

"My parents and two kids back home have nothing to eat as we speak. I just came here to be able to send money using Eco-Cash so that they can buy groceries from shops back home, even though food stuffs are expensive there," Moyo said.

She was supported by Ivy Moyana, 46, from Masvingo, who said it was economically viable for them to purchase items in South Africa and send home.

"The problem is that the majority of the items we buy in South Africa are not available in Zimbabwe," Moyana said.

ICTA president Denis Juru said the Zimbabwean government did not consult anyone before it implemented its decision.

"While the Zimbabwean government has implemented the Statutory Instrument 64 of 2016, there are ministers and individuals linked to government who have not stopped importing the banned goods," Juru said.

He said they had also written a letter to the Southern African Development Community requesting intervention.