Sten Zvorwadza, Chairperson for the National Vendors Union of Zimbabwe (NAVUZ),
By Dickson Bandera
Vendors and informal traders have criticised the government’s recent decision to ban street vending, night vending, and the sale of second-hand clothing, arguing that the move is unsustainable without structured alternatives and inclusive stakeholder engagement.
On Monday, the government announced the sweeping ban, citing concerns over public disorder, deteriorating hygiene standards, and the alleged use of vending stalls for drug peddling. Authorities say the crackdown is aimed at restoring order in Harare and other urban centres.
However, Sten Zvorwadza, a veteran advocate for vendors and Chairperson for the National Vendors Union of Zimbabwe (NAVUZ), warned that the heavy-handed approach could provoke public resistance and social unrest, rather than resolve the challenges of urban management.
“Heavy-handed, unilateral bans risk breaching constitutional rights, undermining public confidence, and perpetuating cycles of confrontation between authorities and citizens. Sustainable regulation requires dialogue, phased reforms, and the provision of viable alternatives before restrictions are imposed,” Zvorwadza told this publication.
He acknowledged that the state may be motivated by public health, urban planning, and safety concerns, but argued that abrupt pronouncements alone do not solve longstanding issues.
“History has repeatedly shown that bans and forceful pronouncements alone do not yield lasting results,” he said. “Instead, they often create tension, provoke resistance, and destabilise thousands of livelihoods that depend on informal trade.”
Zvorwadza called for the establishment of structured trading zones developed in consultation with vendors, where informal traders can operate under regulated conditions that promote order without erasing their source of income.
“True order in our urban centres can only be achieved by building structured systems that guide trading activities without destroying them. This begins with designated trading zones where vendors can operate under clear rules that prevent congestion and uphold public safety,” he said.
“These zones should be planned and implemented collaboratively, ensuring that traders are given legitimate, well-serviced spaces rather than being chased from one corner of the city to another.”
He emphasised that central to achieving urban order is self-regulation, backed by strong vendor organisations such as NAVUZ, which has introduced identification systems, structured leadership, and consistent engagement with local authorities.
“Over the years, the National Vendors Union Zimbabwe (NAVUZ) has made deliberate efforts to foster this culture of self-governance… When traders are recognised as organised partners in urban management, lasting order becomes achievable.”
He further called for legality and fairness in enforcement, warning that any regulation not grounded in transparent legal frameworks is bound to face resistance.
“Enforcement of order must also be legal, transparent, and humane. Pronouncements must be backed by proper laws and bylaws, communicated clearly, and implemented with fairness,” said Zvorwadza.
He warned that failure to adopt systemic reforms would only lead to repeated failure.
“Zimbabwe’s cities need a future where economic inclusion and urban order coexist… Anything short of systemic reform will only repeat past failures, leaving our towns in perpetual conflict and instability.”
Zvorwadza’s remarks reflect growing unease in urban areas, where vending has become a survival strategy for thousands amid high unemployment and economic instability.
