5 August 2025

The Labour Economists and Afrikan Democrats (LEAD) strongly condemns the recent announcement by Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Hon. Daniel Garwe, banning street vending, night vending, and the importation and retail of second-hand clothing with immediate effect.

This decree is not only anti-poor and regressive. It is an assault on the livelihood of millions of Zimbabweans surviving through the informal economy, which constitutes over 77% of the country’s economic activity. Harare alone is home to over 200,000 vendors, who are now being criminalized for simply trying to feed their families in an economy that has completely failed to create decent jobs or formal business opportunities.

A Reckless Decision with No Impact Assessment

We question the lack of consultation, transparency, and social impact assessment in this decision. It is reckless and dangerous to ban entire sectors of informal survival without providing alternatives, support mechanisms, or an inclusive policy transition plan. This is governance through command not consultation.

Street and night vending are not criminal activities; they are survival mechanisms in a country where employment has collapsed, and most families rely on day-to-day trading for food, transport, rent, and school fees.

Night Vending: Serving the Working Class

Night vending is a necessity, not a nuisance. The majority of Zimbabwe’s working-class citizens finish work between 5pm and 8pm. Night vendors serve this population, offering affordable food, clothing, and household essentials. Instead of banning night vending, LEAD proposes a curfew framework that allows vending until 9pm, monitored for health, safety, and order.

Second-hand Clothing: A Lifeline for the Marginalised

The informal trade in second-hand clothing has been a lifeline for women, single mothers, and unemployed youth, offering not just affordable fashion but a modest income. Its blanket ban again, with no consultation, is an act of economic sabotage against the vulnerable.

LEAD Proffers Practical Solutions

1. Immediate Suspension of the Ban until a full socio-economic impact assessment is conducted.

2. Stakeholder Dialogue: Government must urgently convene a multi-stakeholder meeting involving vendors’ associations, city councils, ministries, security sector, and civil society.

3. Designated Trading Zones: Local authorities must urgently roll out serviced, affordable, and secure trading sites.

4. Night Vending Curfew: Allow vending up to 9pm, with enforcement focused on order, not punishment.

5. Gradual Regulation of Second-hand Clothing Trade, not abrupt banning.

6. Path to Formalization: Register and license informal traders through affordable, accessible systems, with training and capital support.

Solidarity with Zimbabwe’s Vendors

LEAD stands in full and unapologetic solidarity with Zimbabwe’s vendors, traders, and second-hand clothing entrepreneurs. These are not criminals. They are the engine of our economy in the face of a failed economic system. We will not stand by as they are pushed into destitution through elitist, detached policies.

To the Government of Zimbabwe: you cannot fix the economy by destroying livelihoods. The vendors’ voice is loud, and their numbers are too big to be ignored. Alienating them is not only unjust. It is politically dangerous and socially irresponsible.

LEAD remains committed to people-centered, pro-poor governance rooted in dialogue, dignity, and economic justice for all Zimbabweans.

Issued by:
Linda Tsungirirai Masarira
President – Labour Economists and Afrikan Democrats (LEAD)