Harare, Zimbabwe – Street vendors in Harare have made it clear that they will only consider stopping their vending activities in the city’s Central Business District (CBD) if the government provides them with better employment prospects.
Following a spike in cholera cases, the government issued an ultimatum to the Harare City Council, instructing them to clear the vendors from the streets within seven days. The Health Ministry identified vending as a key factor contributing to the spread of cholera in the capital.
The cholera outbreak, which has claimed numerous lives and resulted in over 7,000 suspected cases, prompted the declaration of a state of emergency in Harare.
In response to the government’s directive, the Harare City Council convened an urgent meeting to address the issue of illegal vending in the CBD.
“We are having an emergency meeting to explore avenues for resolving the matter and complying with the government’s directive. The council had previously devised plans to address the challenges faced by the vendors,” said Stanley Gama, spokesperson for the Harare City Council.
In defiance of the government’s directive, the vendors asserted that they would be willing to leave the streets if viable job opportunities were available in the country.
“We are in dire need of jobs. There is a scarcity of employment opportunities in the country. Give us jobs at State House. Where else can we turn to? Many of us, including widows and single mothers, support our children through vending,” expressed Varaidzo, a vendor.
“If the economy were thriving, we would have secured employment elsewhere. We are discontented with selling on the pavements. Let us join the government officials in their offices. I’m sorry, we cannot vacate the CBD,” she added.
Another vendor underscored the challenges faced by the vendors, stating, “We possess academic qualifications, yet we remain jobless. Show us the doors of companies that are actively hiring. We are ready to take the opportunities. How can we provide for our children?”
Highlighting the broader issues at hand, Councillor Womberaiishe Nhende, responsible for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMSEs) at Town House, emphasized the necessity for collaboration between the council and the government in addressing the concerns of the vendors.
“The city has previously established plans to tackle urban challenges. While the council has designated specific areas for vendors, they continue to return to the streets, citing compromised proximity to their customers as the reason. This has led to the current predicament,” Nhende explained.
“In light of the declared national disaster due to the outbreak, we implored the government to assist the city in addressing the vendors’ issues, as their livelihoods are at stake. With the current overpopulation in Harare, job creation and service provision are paramount as we strive for a clean environment. Our goal is to elevate our street vendors to SMEs,” Nhende continued.
Should the government opt to remove the vendors from the illegal vending sites without offering a viable solution, Nhende emphasized the imperative role of government intervention in addressing this matter.
