Government Crackdown on Street Vendors Threatens Livelihoods of Millions in Zimbabwe

By Shingirai Vambe

In the face of economic hardship, Zimbabweans have shown remarkable resilience and resourcefulness. With formal employment opportunities scarce, citizens have resorted to vending, selling second-hand clothes, food, and other commodities in the country’s streets.

This informal trading phenomenon has become a ubiquitous feature of Zimbabwe’s economic landscape, with all 10 provinces of the country boasting thriving markets for vendors. From the bustling streets of Harare to the rural towns of Matebeleland, vendors have created a vibrant and dynamic market that has become a lifeline for many.

The range of goods on offer is staggering, from fresh produce like tomatoes and vegetables to groceries, clothes, shoes, and even electronics. Vendors have capitalized on the demand for affordable goods, often sourcing products from neighboring countries like South Africa and Mozambique.

For many Zimbabweans, vending has become a survival strategy, providing a vital source of income in the absence of formal employment. Women, in particular, have taken to vending as a means of supporting their families, often selling goods like second-hand clothes, fruits, and vegetables.

The informal trading sector has also spawned a new generation of entrepreneurs, who have developed innovative strategies to stay ahead of the competition. From using social media to market their goods to forming cooperatives to pool resources and share expertise, vendors have shown remarkable adaptability and resilience.

Despite the challenges they face, including harassment from municipal authorities and competition from established retailers, vendors remain a vital part of Zimbabwe’s economic fabric. As the country continues to navigate its economic challenges, the informal trading sector is likely to remain a key driver of economic activity, providing a lifeline for millions of Zimbabweans.

However, the struggles of everyday life in Zimbabwe have just gotten tougher. With an already overwhelming burden of job losses, a high cost of living, and crippling poverty, the government has decided to crack down on street vendors. This move threatens to disfranchise millions of people across the country who rely on informal trading to make ends meet.

For years, producers have been taking their goods to various markets, but this has all been disrupted by an announcement from Government Minister Daniel Garwe. The proposed “zero vending” initiative aims to eradicate informal trading, but many are concerned about the devastating impact this will have on the livelihoods of countless individuals.

Samuel Wadzai, director of the Vendors Initiative for Social and Economic Transformation (VISET), expressed his concerns about the initiative. “The proposed operation demonstrates a lack of understanding and support for the livelihoods of informal economy workers,” he said.

Wadzai emphasized the crucial role that informal economy workers play in the urban economy, often filling gaps left by the formal sector.

“The statement regarding the City of Harare’s upcoming “zero vending” initiative is concerning for the community of informal economy workers represented by the Vendors Initiative for Social and Economic Transformation (VISET). The proposed operation to eradicate illegal vending demonstrates a lack of understanding and support for the livelihoods of countless individuals who rely on these informal activities for their daily sustenance,” said Wadzai.

he further clarified that , Informal economy workers play a crucial role in the urban economy, often filling gaps left by the formal sector and providing valuable services and goods to their communities. Rather than taking punitive measures that could displace vendors and hinder their ability to provide for their families, it is essential for the authorities to engage with these workers, understand their challenges, and consider supportive strategies that can help integrate them into the formal economy.

Rather than taking punitive measures, VISET advocates for policies that recognize the contributions of informal workers and create an enabling environment for their operations. Wadzai believes that the government should engage with informal workers, understand their challenges, and consider supportive strategies to help integrate them into the formal economy.

The move has been met with widespread criticism, with many arguing that it undermines the rights and significant role that informal vendors play in the local economy. VISET believes that the government should revisit this approach and consider collaborative solutions that uplift, rather than dismantle, the livelihoods of informal economy workers.

In fact, VISET points out that this move goes against positive initiatives such as the Harare Small to Medium Enterprise Policy, which has provisions for retention funds for the construction of new markets and the establishment of a revolving fund. Such incentives could go a long way in formalizing the sector and injecting revenues into the mainstream economy.

In contrast, government initiatives such as the recently introduced mandatory taxation of the informal sector could generate significant buy-in from informal economy players, but only if their trade is decriminalized and provisions are made to ensure they are not left behind. As the situation unfolds, one thing is clear: the livelihoods of millions of Zimbabweans hang in the balance,” added Wadzai.