The ZCIEA criticizes the Zimbabwean government for removing vendors without addressing core economic issues, warning it could destabilize the economy. Kizito Mupunga argues that outdated regulations hinder growth and calls for accessible vendor locations. He expresses frustration over the lack of dialogue with informal workers.
The Zimbabwe Chamber of Informal Economy Association (ZCIEA) has condemned government actions that threaten the livelihood of informal workers. Kizito Mupunga, the Acting National President, cautioned that removing vendors will exacerbate economic instability, as it fails to tackle deeper issues affecting this sector.
Mupunga highlighted that the real problem arises from inadequate designated spaces for informal workers and the reliance on outdated colonial bylaws from 1937, which do not align with contemporary economic realities or Zimbabwe’s current constitutional framework. This regulatory framework significantly restricts the informal sector’s potential for growth.
Furthermore, he criticized the government for not providing effective solutions for vendors, who play an essential role in the informal economy. Mupunga emphasized the necessity for vendors to operate in accessible locations, ideally in busy areas equivalent to malls and supermarkets, rather than being relocated to less favorable outskirts where foot traffic is minimal.
Mupunga expressed disappointment over the lack of constructive dialogue between the government and informal workers. He noted that despite prior talks aimed at integrating the informal economy into mainstream processes, recent decisions have been made without proper consultation or adequate understanding of street vendors’ needs.
The ZCIEA’s critique highlights the fundamental flaws in the Zimbabwean government’s approach to informal economy regulation. By failing to provide legitimate spaces for vendors and relying on outdated regulations, the government risks destabilizing the economic landscape. Mupunga’s insistence on the need for dialogue illustrates a significant gap between policy decisions and the realities faced by informal workers, underscoring the importance of inclusive governance.
Original Source: www.channelafrica.co.za
