Harare, (New Ziana) –The Zimbabwe Chamber of Informal Economic Associations (ZCIEA) has partnered with South Africa based StreetNet International to launch a project aimed at assisting vendors and advocating for their rights.
Called the Barometer, the partnership aims to advance the rights of informal sector workers, who play a crucial role in providing essential goods and services to communities, making urban life more affordable and convenient.
Informal traders in Zimbabwe face numerous daily challenges, including harassment and confiscation of wares by municipal police due to the illegal status of street vending, forcing them into a constant struggle to protect their livelihoods.
The arbitrary arrests and the loss of their merchandise can have devastating financial effects, particularly for those dependent on daily sales. Female vendors are particularly vulnerable, facing heightened risks of violence and brutality from law enforcement agents and to avoid the confrontations, many have resorted to night trading, exposing themselves to further dangers.
StreetNet president Lorraine Ndlovu highlighted the severe violence and harassment street vendors experience. “People are trying to create an alternative means of survival, yet those in the formal sector often view vendors as a nuisance. Many successful individuals have roots in vending,” she stated.
The high costs of council licenses and the lack of alternative vending spaces leave vendors in precarious situations with the neglect of economic and social rights exacerbating their challenges, leaving them vulnerable to perpetual hardships.
However, despite these challenges, vendors continue to persevere, motivated by the need to support their families, with their resilience underscoring the urgent need for systemic change to ensure fair treatment and support for the vital sector of the economy.
Access to capital has remained a significant hurdle, as many vendors struggle to obtain loans and credit necessary for business expansion while regulatory complexities and inconsistencies add to their difficulties.
Founded in Durban, South Africa, in 2002, StreetNet International is a global organization committed to supporting informal traders. With a presence in over 52 countries and more than 60 partner organizations, its mission is to promote and strengthen an autonomous and democratic alliance of street vendors, hawkers, and cross-border traders.
New Ziana
