Night vending ban collapses in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe abandoned its night vending prohibition after vendors ignored the August directive from Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe. Street sellers continued operations in Harare and Bulawayo despite government warnings about public health risks and illegal activities.
Vendors Initiative for Social and Economic Transformation director Samuel Wadzai said the policy failed to address economic hardships, forcing citizens into informal trade. Constitutional lawyer Fadzayi Mahere questioned whether press statements could legally ban commercial activity without proper legislation.
Designated vending areas remained underused because fees exceeded vendor earnings. Seller Miriam Chidemo said weekly stall costs of 50 dollars surpassed her nightly profits of 30 dollars at alternative locations far from customers.
Economist Prosper Mutambi noted that informal workers comprise over 90 percent of the workforce and make a substantial contribution to national output. The Local Government ministry maintains that the ban stays active despite widespread noncompliance across major cities.
