Zimbabwe Bans Second-Hand Clothes and Street Vending
Zimbabwe has implemented a ban on the sale of second-hand clothes and on all street and night vending. This directive, announced by Minister of Local Government and Public Works Daniel Garwe, is aimed at restoring order in city centers and supporting formal businesses.
Here are the key details of the ban:
Scope of the Ban: The new policy prohibits the importation and sale of second-hand clothes, and it also outlaws street and night vending in all central business districts across the country.
Rationale for the Ban: According to the government, informal trading practices have been disrupting formal businesses that pay taxes. The ban on night vending specifically is linked to concerns about illicit drug and substance sales, which are viewed as threats to public health, the economy, and national security.
Enforcement: All local authorities have been instructed to enforce the ban immediately, working with law enforcement agencies like the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP). Minister Garwe has urged for the enforcement to be conducted in a humane manner, with officials engaging with vendor associations first.
Economic Impact: The ban is expected to severely impact the livelihoods of thousands of people who rely on the informal sector for survival. A significant portion of Zimbabwe's economy is informal, and for many, selling second-hand clothes and vending are the only available sources of income due to limited formal employment opportunities.
Past Precedent: This is not the first time Zimbabwe has implemented such a ban. A similar prohibition on the import of second-hand clothes for resale was put in place in 2015, with the goal of boosting the country's clothing manufacturing sector.
Public Reaction: The decision has been met with a backlash from residents, informal traders, and legal experts. Groups like the Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA) have described the ban as unilateral, undemocratic, and harmful to the city's informal traders. They argue that the government has not provided viable alternatives for those whose livelihoods will be lost.
I'm Aisha shehu
Talksocialtalka News
