Online Reporter
Wallace Ruzvidzo, Harare Bureau
GOVERNMENT’s doors are always open to vendors and those in the informal sector as they play a vital role in the country’s economic development, President Mnangagwa has said.
Demonstrating his “open door policy”, President Mnangagwa yesterday met with representatives of vendors at State House in Harare, where issues afflicting the sector were discussed. The President said the Second Republic’s attempt to formalise the informal sector should not be perceived as a threat but rather as an initiative to bring order and sanity to the sector. “As we are all aware, the informal sector plays a crucial role in Zimbabwe’s economy, providing livelihoods for millions of citizens. However, there have been some worrisome trends affecting the sector, which if left unchecked will have dire ripple effects on our country and overshadow the important role of this critical sector,” he said.
“An attempt by Government to formalise your sector, and create decent work spaces should never be seen by vendors and the informal sector as a direct threat to your survival. As a Government, our doors are always open and we are always ready to hear your concerns”.
The President also called upon vendors and those in the informal sector to complement Government efforts to bring order and sanity to the crucial sector.
“I trust that you are also ready to hear our concerns. I hope that this meeting will give insights to Government officials as we address grievances and explore policy solutions for both the formalisation and modernisation of this sector, as well as its integration into the mainstream economy.
“By engaging with vendors and informal traders, the Government hopes to address their challenges and create a more conducive business environment,” he said. “Under my leadership, our national development mantra is Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatirwa nevene vayo/Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhulekelwe ngabanikazi balo.”
Thus, the President added, all sectors of the economy had the obligation to contribute positively rather than negatively to the country’s current development trajectory.
“We all have a responsibility to build, modernise and industrialise our country, not only for us but for future generations. This duty lies with all of us, together as a united and patriotic people with one shared vision for Zimbabwe,” he said.
President Mnangagwa called for “free and frank” dialogue between Government and informal sector players towards the realisation of national goals.
“It is in this spirit that I urge us to feel free and have frank and honest discussions. I hope that we will also come up with solutions that will move our country forward to prosperity and greater unity.
“Let our dialogue, therefore, be guided by the true spirit of nation-building and in the national interest”.
President Mnangagwa said it was important that Government develops a framework for structured vendor regulation that balances urban order and the need for vendors to earn a living.
“Be assured that my Administration is committed to facilitate the establishment of convenient and accessible decent work spaces for vendors.
“Equally, we recognise the need to avail micro-finance and training as well as to ensure that licencing and permits for vendors and the informal sector are streamlined, in line with our ease of doing business reforms.
“It is important that you undertake your trade in an orderly manner, respecting those that operate around you and the broader environment and community where you operate,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said the maintenance of order was non-negotiable and, in this regard, the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works was directed to work with Local Councils and the private sector to build market stalls and decent work spaces for vendors as a matter of urgency.
He added that the facilities must include the requisite water and sanitation infrastructure.
“We must have order and as responsible citizens; we should never gloss over this matter. We must be honest that we cannot let the state of our country degenerate right under our eyes,” President Mnangagwa said.
He also rallied vendors to be alert and vigilant and never allow the abuse of their sector by criminal elements and drug king-pins.
“We must take ownership and be upright citizens as a sector for the good of our motherland, Zimbabwe,” President Mnangagwa said.
Speaking after the meeting, Local Government and Public Works Minister Dr Daniel Garwe said the President had warned against night vending.
The Minister added that Government was concerned that Municipal Police were harassing vendors.
“There are better ways to deal with them,” he said.
Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister Monica Mutsvangwa weighed in saying vendors had expressed their commitment to orderly conduct.
“They have been asked to come and talk to the President about the situation on the ground. These vendors are committed to making sure that they meet the cost of bringing up their families. We are seeing everyone becoming very actively involved,” she said.
Secretary for all tuckshop associations Mr Lovemore Mudzoki said the informal sector and vendors were willing to play ball for broader national development.
“We are committed to working together with Government and we are saying no to demonstrations because they affect our work. Let us work and solve whatever issues amicably,” he said.
The meeting sought to foster a collaborative relationship between Government and the informal sector, which is a significant contributor to Zimbabwe’s economy.
