Informal traders are seeking dialogue with the City of Harare to challenge its stringent regulations on vending within the capital’s central business district (CBD).
Outlined in recently published by-laws, the local authority stipulates that informal traders must possess a valid permit or lease agreement to sell goods or foodstuffs in the CBD.
Additionally, the municipality has prohibited the use of pushcarts, commonly known as zvingoro, at informal trading sites such as Magaba, Mupedzanhamo, and Mbare Musika bus terminus.
Following the announcement of the new by-laws, municipal police and the Zimbabwe Republic Police have launched a crackdown, arresting vendors within the city.
Samuel Wadzai, executive director of Vendors Initiative for Social and Economic Transformation, emphasised the necessity of dialogue.
He stated, “Currently, we have not engaged formally with the city council despite our attempts to initiate informal discussions.
We collaborate closely with the informal sector committee at Harare City Council and are in the process of formal engagement to address these issues.”
Wadzai criticiced the disconnect between the by-laws and economic realities, advocating for constructive dialogue to rectify the situation.
He added, “We need to support workers in the informal economy as they constitute the majority of livelihoods. Criminalizing their activities through by-laws is unacceptable.”
Highlighting the importance of formal engagement, Wadzai stressed the significance of preserving livelihoods and avoiding confrontation.
He asserted, “While we acknowledge the city’s revenue motives, we also have rights protected by the Constitution.
We aim to resolve issues through engagement rather than confrontation.”
Wisbon Malaya, secretary-general of the Zimbabwe Chamber of Informal Economy, echoed the call for amicable solutions. He expressed, “We advocate for order in the city but oppose harsh measures. We will continue engaging with the City of Harare, conveying our position and proposing advice on addressing these issues.”
Malaya commended previous progress, such as the small to medium enterprises policy, while expressing disappointment at the sudden imposition of new by-laws. He emphasized the contribution of informal sector workers to the city’s existence.
With many Zimbabweans turning to vending due to limited job opportunities, the country’s economy has become heavily informalised, as noted in an International Monetary Fund report.
Source NewsDay
