Retailers back Government crackdown on illegal vending

Sikhulekelani Moyo [email protected]

THE Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers (CZR) has welcomed the Government’s decisive move to address illegal vending and informal trading in undesignated areas, saying the intervention will restore order, protect public health and create a fair business environment.

In a statement issued following an announcement by the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Honourable Daniel Garwe, on 2 September 2026, CZR president Dr Denford Mutashu said the formal retail and wholesale sector had for a long time raised concerns over the proliferation of illegal vending, particularly in central business districts.

“The situation has compromised urban cleanliness, obstructed public walkways, created congestion and, importantly, placed compliant formal businesses at an unfair disadvantage,” said Dr Mutashu.

While acknowledging that informal trading is an important source of livelihoods, CZR said such activities must be conducted within the law and in designated trading areas.

The organisation therefore supports the Government’s directive and has urged all street vendors operating from undesignated areas to comply with the stipulated deadline and relocate to designated vending facilities provided by local authorities.

“This is not about taking away people’s livelihoods; rather, it is about restoring order, protecting public health and safety, and ensuring that everyone participates in the economy within a fair and enforceable regulatory framework,” he said.

Government has given illegal vendors operating in undesignated areas across Harare until September 9 to vacate the sites, warning that a comprehensive, zero-tolerance clean-up operation will begin immediately thereafter before being extended to other urban centres across the country.

The operation, which will target illegal vending structures and stalls, is aimed at restoring order, cleanliness and trafficability in cities and towns.

Dr Mutashu said the timing of the intervention was critical as Zimbabwe prepares to assume the COMESA Chairmanship in October 2026 under President Cde Dr E.D. Mnangagwa.

“We must put our house in order and ensure that our cities reflect the Zimbabwe we aspire to build under Vision 2030. Harare is the face of Zimbabwe, and we must restore the beauty and dignity of our Sunshine City,” he said.

Dr Mutashu thanked Government for consistently maintaining a listening ear to concerns raised by the business community, saying the decision demonstrated its commitment to creating a clean, safe and orderly environment for businesses, consumers and citizens.

In the same spirit, CZR proposed that enforcement of designated operating spaces should also extend to commuter omnibuses.

“We recognise the important role played by public transport operators, but there are designated ranks where they are legally required to operate. The law must therefore take its course, and these regulations must be upheld both to the letter and in spirit. Restoring order in our cities must be comprehensive and consistent across all sectors,” he said.

CZR also commended Government for recent regulatory reforms.

Following the promulgation of Statutory Instrument 41 of 2026 (Model Fees By-Laws), CZR said formal retail and wholesale businesses were now saving up to 60 percent of costs previously incurred through duplicative licensing requirements and regulatory red tape.

“This is a significant stride in reducing the cost of doing business and creating a more conducive operating environment for the private sector,” said Dr Mutashu.

He also expressed appreciation to President Mnangagwa for his “visionary leadership” and continued efforts towards creating a stable and conducive business environment.

CZR further reiterated its support for the Constitution Amendment process, now embodied in the Constitution Amendment Act, as part of the broader pursuit of policy continuity, stability and predictability necessary for sustainable economic development and the attainment of Vision 2030.

“CZR remains committed to being a strategic partner of Government in the implementation of national programmes and policies,” said Dr Mutashu.