By Staff Reporter
Harare – Opposition Norton MP Richard Tsvangirai has called for urgent government measures to support Zimbabwe’s informal sector, emphasizing its pivotal role in employment creation and income generation amid the nation’s ongoing economic challenges.
Zimbabwe continues to grapple with high inflation, unemployment, public debt, and governance issues, which have hampered the country’s economic prospects.
The informal sector, currently contributing over 60% of the country’s economy, has become a critical lifeline to millions of ordinary citizens.
Despite its importance, Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube’s recent budget proposal introduced measures that heavily tax informal traders, further straining their operations and livelihoods.
Tsvangirai, speaking in parliament last week highlighted that some of the challenges street vendors faced included the loss of goods confiscated by local authorities and the absence of designated trading zones.
He decried that street vendors in the informal sector face a myriad of challenges in their plight to sustain families and communities despite minimal resources and legal protections.
“Acknowledging the critical role played by vendors in the development and creation of economic opportunities among communities, particularly in urban areas.
“The State has an obligation to provide support to its citizens and in particular to empower vendors rather than impede on their developmental activities,” said Tsvangirai.
He lamented the absence of protective legislation, leaving vendors vulnerable to arbitrary actions by municipal authorities.
“I am disturbed by the absence of protective legislative measures for such vendors who are normally left at the mercy of local authorities:
“Now, therefore, I call upon this House to enact legislation that designates vending zones.
“Provides for a vendor registration process and protects against arbitrary confiscation of vendors’ merchandise,” added Tsvangirai.
With an unemployment rate exceeding 50%, Zimbabwe’s informal sector has become a survival strategy for many.
In Harare alone, tens of thousands of vendors operate daily, transforming urban spaces into bustling markets for essential goods and services.
However, frequent clashes with municipal authorities often disrupt their livelihoods.
“Provides for a vendor registration process (and protects against arbitrary confiscation of vendors’ merchandise,” added Tsvangirai.
He described vendors as “unsung heroes of Zimbabwe’s economy” and called for a balanced approach that fosters economic opportunity while addressing urban planning challenges.
