By Staff Reporter
The government’s recent directive for local authorities to remove all illegal vendors from the streets within 48 hours has sparked outrage among vendors, Civic Society Organizations (CSOs), and other stakeholders with many arguing that the government should take responsibility for the country’s deteriorating economy and lack of proper infrastructure rather than penalising struggling citizens.
Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) Acting Secretary General Runesu Dzimiri condemned the move in a statement released on March 13, calling it heavy-handed and insensitive.
“The directive by Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe is completely insensitive and reactionary. Many of these vendors are not in the streets by choice but out of necessity, as the economy has failed to create jobs. Our streets are filled with thousands of graduates from tertiary institutions, thanks to ill-conceived economic policies that have failed to revive the country,” Dzimiri said.
He urged the government to address the root cause of street vending that is high unemployment rather than targeting vendors.
“Instead of harassing vendors, the government should first restore economic growth and create the millions of jobs it promised. If that happens, vendors will disappear overnight. The informal economy is now the country’s largest employer, and authorities must acknowledge and support it,” he added.
Vendors Initiative for Social and Economic Transformation (VISET) Director Samuel Wadzai Mangoma also criticized the directive, arguing that it reflected a lack of understanding of the realities faced by informal traders. He urged the government to engage vendors and explore strategies for formalizing their businesses.
“This operation demonstrates a failure to recognize the livelihoods of countless individuals who depend on informal trade for survival. Rather than using punitive measures that will displace vendors and worsen their struggles, authorities should engage with them, understand their challenges, and implement supportive policies,” Mangoma said.
Mangoma said informal traders play a vital role in urban economies, filling gaps left by the formal sector by providing essential goods and services. He called for policies that recognize their contributions rather than undermining their rights.
“VISET advocates for policies that support and integrate informal workers rather than eliminating them. Dismissing their concerns disregards their significant role in the economy. The government must reconsider its approach and seek collaborative solutions that uplift rather than dismantle livelihoods,” he said.
Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe gave all local authorities a mandate to clear illegal vendors from the streets citing health and security concerns in the areas where they were operating from.
