Minister Makes A Somersault On Street Vendors

Garwe Takes a Tumble….

By Shingirai Vambe

In a shocking display of bureaucratic ineptness, Zimbabwe’s Local Government Minister, Daniel Garwe, has made a stunning U-turn after initially giving vendors a 48-hour ultimatum to vacate the streets. This directive, which was swiftly enforced by municipalities and councils, resulted in the forcible removal of vendors from the central business districts of all 10 provinces.

The move was met with widespread resistance from the vendor community, who refused to back down. In some instances, vendors even retaliated against council police who attempted to forcibly remove them. The situation quickly descended into chaos, with reports of violence and intimidation emerging from various parts of the country.

However, in a bizarre twist, Garwe claimed that he only intended to target night and evening vendors. This assertion was met with widespread ridicule, with many citizens viewing it as a poorly timed joke. The government’s failure to deliver on its promise of creating 2 million jobs during the 2017-18 election campaign period has only added to the public’s skepticism.

The vendor community, which has long been a thorn in the side of the government, has been at the forefront of the resistance. Many vendors have expressed frustration and anger at the government’s failure to provide them with viable alternatives. “We are not just vendors, we are entrepreneurs,” said one vendor. “We are trying to make a living in a country that has failed to provide us with jobs.”

The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) and the Vendors Initiative for Social and Economic Transformation (VISET) have both condemned the government’s actions, arguing that they demonstrate a lack of understanding of the challenges faced by informal traders. “The government’s approach to dealing with vendors is not only heavy-handed, but it is also misguided,” said a spokesperson for the ZCTU.

As the situation continues to unfold, many are left wondering what the future holds for Zimbabwe’s street vendors. Will the government finally listen to their concerns and provide them with the support they need, or will they continue to be treated as a nuisance? One thing is certain: the vendor community will not go down without a fight.

The government’s failed promises and lack of understanding of the challenges faced by informal traders have created a perfect storm of discontent. As the country teeters on the brink of chaos, one thing is clear: something needs to change. The question is, will the government finally take heed of the vendor community’s concerns, or will they continue to ignore their pleas?

Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe has reiterated that the government’s directive to ban street vendors only applies to those operating at night. According to Garwe, the government has never stopped daytime vendors from trading, and their focus has always been on night vendors.

However, Garwe acknowledged that some local authorities have misinterpreted the directive, targeting daytime vendors instead. This has led to violent clashes between vendors and local authorities, with incidents reported in Masvingo and Mutare.

Garwe emphasized the need to establish designated selling areas for both day and night vendors. He expressed concerns over the health and infrastructural risks associated with night vending, citing issues such as urban decay, security threats, and unpaid rent and taxes.

This sudden reversal has raised questions about the government’s commitment to its policies and its ability to make informed decisions. The inconsistency in policy has created confusion and uncertainty among vendors, local authorities, and the general public.

Critics argue that the government’s U-turn is a clear indication of its lack of clear vision and policy direction. “The government’s policy inconsistency is a recipe for disaster,” said one critic. “It creates uncertainty and undermines trust in the government’s ability to make informed decisions.”

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