Harare vendors defy gov’t ban, vow to stay on streets

Street vendors in central Harare have refused to vacate their trading spots despite a government directive enforcing a citywide ban on vending.

The operation, which was scheduled to take effect on Wednesday night, has been met with strong resistance from vendors who argue that their livelihoods are at stake.

“We’re not going anywhere. Minister Garwe and Mayor Mafume will go first before we vacate the streets,” some vendors boldly declared in response to statements by Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe and Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume.

The vendors insist that vending is their only means of survival in an economy plagued by high unemployment.

Many say they were not consulted before the decision was made and have called on authorities to provide alternative solutions before evicting them.

Background

The government and the City of Harare announced the sweeping ban on street vending earlier this week, arguing that it is necessary to curb congestion and restore order in the city. The enforcement, which authorities warned would be carried out in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, has sparked intense debate and criticism.

Harare’s Director of Housing and Community Services, Addmore Nhekairo, emphasized the seriousness of the operation, stating that it would be conducted jointly with the central government.

“That one is a serious issue and is going to be done by council and central government,” he said.

However, critics say the move is heavy-handed, considering the country’s struggling economy and the lack of formal employment opportunities. Many vendors say they have no other way to feed their families and fear being pushed deeper into poverty.

“This is a matter of life and death for us,” a vendor lamented. “We are already struggling to survive, and now the government wants to take away the only thing we have left to feed our families.”

As authorities push forward with the enforcement, questions remain about whether alternative solutions will be provided for those affected or if the standoff between vendors and city officials will escalate further.

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