By Last Mazambani (PhD)
In the heart of Harare, under the scorching midday sun, the
city’s lifeblood hums through the bustling streets. Vendors line the pavements,
their tables adorned with tomatoes glowing red in the light, neat piles of
vegetables, phone accessories, second-hand clothes, and the irresistible aroma
of freshly roasted maize. For many, these stalls are not just businesses; they
are survival. Each sale helps put food on the table, pays school fees, and
keeps hope alive in an economy where formal jobs are scarce.
Yet, a looming storm threatens this delicate ecosystem. The
city authorities have recently announced the banning of street vending in
certain parts of Harare. Officially, it is a move to "restore order"
and "decongest the city." Unofficially, it feels to many like a slow
squeeze on their only means of survival.
It is not an exaggeration to say that vending is the
heartbeat of Harare’s economy. The Zimbabwe National Budget is, to a large
extent, fueled by informal sector activity—small transactions that add up to
billions when combined. Vendors may not wear suits or work in office towers,
but their trade oils the wheels of the economy. When this sector suffers, the
ripple effects touch every part of the nation’s financial fabric.
A Warning from History
Those in power would do well to remember the lessons of history. The Arab
Spring—a wave of protests and uprisings that swept across North Africa and the
Middle East—was ignited by an act against a street vendor. Mohamed Bouazizi, a
Tunisian vendor, set himself alight after being harassed and humiliated by
authorities. His death became a symbol of deep-seated frustration over economic
hardship and heavy-handed governance.
The parallels are sobering. In a country with unemployment
levels hovering above 80%, banning vending without offering alternatives is not
merely an administrative decision—it is a political gamble. Hungry people do
not remain silent for long. When livelihoods are threatened, tensions rise. The
government could, inadvertently, “shoot itself in the foot” by alienating the
very citizens whose resilience keeps the nation afloat.
Why Vending Matters
In Harare, vending is not a casual choice. It is the last hope for thousands.
With industries shutting down or operating at minimal capacity, the formal job
market cannot absorb the swelling population of job seekers. Every table of
goods along the road represents a family’s determination to make ends meet.
Beyond economics, vending fosters a culture of entrepreneurship and
self-reliance—values that should be encouraged, not stifled.
The City’s Concerns
Of course, the city authorities are not without their reasons. Unregulated
vending can lead to congestion on pavements, making it difficult for
pedestrians to move freely. It can contribute to littering, and in some cases,
block emergency access routes. There are legitimate concerns about hygiene,
especially when fresh food is sold in the open without proper storage
facilities.
These concerns, however, should not be met with outright
bans. The question is not whether vending should exist, but how it can exist in
a manner that benefits both vendors and the city.
Towards Amicable Solutions
- Designated
Vending Zones
Instead of scattering vendors haphazardly along busy streets, the city could establish well-planned vending zones strategically located near transport hubs, markets, and high-footfall areas. These spaces could be equipped with shade structures, waste disposal facilities, and proper sanitation. Vendors would pay a small, affordable fee to maintain these facilities—creating a self-sustaining system. - Vendor
Registration and ID Cards
A simple registration system would help authorities keep track of vendors, prevent overcrowding, and ensure fair allocation of spaces. This would also protect vendors from arbitrary eviction and harassment. With proper IDs, vendors could access city-organized training on food safety, customer service, and financial management. - Public-Private
Partnerships
The city could partner with local businesses, banks, and NGOs to fund the development of modern vending infrastructure. In return, sponsors could advertise on stalls or contribute to community initiatives, creating a win-win arrangement. - Mobile
Vending Licenses
For those whose trade depends on mobility—like ice cream sellers or food carts—special mobile vending permits could be issued. These would allow vendors to operate within set routes and times, avoiding congestion in the busiest zones while still serving customers. - Digital
Integration
In an increasingly cashless economy, vendors could be supported in adopting mobile payment systems like EcoCash. This would not only improve convenience and security but also make it easier for authorities to track informal economic activity for planning purposes—without burdening vendors with excessive taxes. - Community-led
Cleanliness Drives
Vendors’ associations could take responsibility for keeping vending zones clean, with the city providing tools and waste collection services. Clean, well-maintained areas would help vendors attract more customers while reducing health risks. - Vendor
Self-Regulation and Accountability
Vendor self-regulation and accountability can be enhanced by strengthening vendor associations to oversee member conduct and ensure compliance with city regulations. These associations should enter into formal agreements with the city, committing to uphold cleanliness, maintain order, and promote fair trading practices. Under this framework, if a member violates agreed standards—such as littering, obstructing walkways, or harassing customers—the entire association may face penalties, including fines or temporary suspension of vending rights in that area. This collective responsibility model encourages peer monitoring and fosters a culture of discipline, professionalism, and mutual accountability among vendors.
Dialogue over Dictates
The most critical ingredient in this process is dialogue. Authorities must
engage directly with vendors through their associations, listening to their
challenges and co-creating solutions. Top-down policies imposed without
consultation often breed resentment and resistance. A city is strongest when
its policies are rooted in collaboration, not confrontation.
It is also important to change the public narrative around
vending. Vendors are not obstacles to urban beauty or progress—they are part of
it. Their creativity, resilience, and adaptability are exactly the traits that
cities should nurture in a rapidly changing world.
An Inclusive Vision for Harare
Imagine a Harare where vending stalls are designed with colorful canopies,
clear signage, and waste bins at every corner. Imagine tourists and locals
alike browsing clean, vibrant vendor markets, knowing they are supporting small
businesses. Picture a city where vendors contribute a modest fee to the council
in exchange for safety, order, and dignity in their work.
In such a vision, the city thrives economically, socially,
and culturally. The informal sector is not pushed to the margins but embraced
as a legitimate partner in development. By working together, Harare could
become a model for other African cities grappling with the same challenge—how
to balance order with opportunity, regulation with compassion.
Conclusion
Banning vending may seem like a quick fix, but it risks igniting deeper social
unrest and undermining the very economy it seeks to protect. Instead, Harare
has an opportunity to lead with foresight—creating inclusive policies that
transform vending from a perceived nuisance into a celebrated part of urban
life.
The choice is clear: build walls, or build bridges. One
isolates and inflames. The other connects and strengthens. In times like these,
Harare can ill afford to choose the former. By embracing vendors as partners,
the city can secure both stability and prosperity—proving that inclusive cities
are not just more humane, but more successful.
Last Mazambani
Call/WhatsApp: +16132231083
Email: lastmazambani@gmail.com
