Online Reporter
Harare Bureau
GOVERNMENT has issued a stern warning against night vending, citing the proliferation of counterfeit products and the chaos caused by unregulated street trading.
Last week, local authorities were given a 48-hour ultimatum to clear night vendors from the streets of cities and towns across the country.
This move comes in response to a surge in night vending over recent months, which has led to increased human traffic, widespread littering, and disruptions to businesses operating in central business districts.
Now, all vendors are required to possess valid licences and operate exclusively from designated areas.
Speaking at the 2025 World Consumer Rights Day commemorations, the Minister of Industry and Commerce, Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndlovu, said there is a need for regulation and consumer protection to protect the public from harmful goods that are being sold on the streets.
“To those involved in night street vending, be warned: if you believe your trade is necessary, seek appropriate authority so that it can be supervised and protected. Operating without such authority is a violation of the law and puts both you and consumers at risk. This is unacceptable,” he said.
Minister Ndlovu urged consumers to be cautious of counterfeit products flooding the market, many of which are produced or repackaged in unregistered backyard industries.
“Our street pavements have turned into market stalls, filled with everything from designer-label clothes and shoes to foodstuffs, beverages and even medicines. Most of these products are unregulated, posing serious risks to consumer health and safety. While we want to harness the entrepreneurial spirit of our people, it must be done correctly, without endangering the very people we aim to serve,” he said.
Minister Ndlovu said many of these counterfeit goods are smuggled into the country through undesignated crossing points, allowing traders to evade taxes and sell products at low prices.
However, he warned that these low prices come at a significant cost to consumer health and safety.
“I appeal to all consumers not to fall for this brazen deception. The risks far outweigh the benefits,” Minister Ndlovu said.
He commended the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe, for directing local authorities to remove vendors from undesignated areas.
Minister Ndlovu also reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to protecting consumer rights and fostering a fair and transparent marketplace. “Together, we can build a future where every citizen can participate in the marketplace with confidence, knowing their rights are protected and their voices are heard. By fostering a culture of fairness and transparency, we can achieve our Vision 2030 and create a prosperous and inclusive Zimbabwe for all,” he said. The 2025 World Consumer Rights Day commemorations, held under the theme, “A Just Transition to Sustainable Lifestyles,” calls for sustainable and healthy lifestyle choices, accessibility and affordability of goods and services to consumers.
Minister Ndlovu appealed for fair trade practices by suppliers. As part of its efforts to protect consumers, the Government is finalising a comprehensive National Consumer Protection Policy.
This policy aims to safeguard consumers from unfair and unethical business practices, hold businesses accountable for misconduct and advance the economic interests of consumers. “Our Vision 2030 is a comprehensive roadmap to transform Zimbabwe into a prosperous and empowered upper-middle-income society. Protecting and empowering consumers is integral to this journey,” Minister Ndlovu.
