By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
The Zimbabwe Solidarity Movement (ZSM) has publicly expressed its solidarity with street vendors following the government’s directive to local authorities, granting them 48 hours to clear illegal vendors from the streets.
The government claims that these vendors contribute to criminal activities and unsanitary conditions, posing health risks to citizens.
In a statement released yesterday, ZSM highlighted concerns over media reports, claiming that the Central Government is colluding with the Harare City Council to forcefully remove vendors from the Central Business District (CBD) and surrounding areas.
“This is a major cause for concern as the majority of people earn a living from vending in the streets,” the statement reads.
ZSM emphasized that while the government seeks to impose order, their actions could lead to chaos, increased poverty, and suffering for over 90 percent of households in Harare that depend on vending for daily survival.
“Vending is not the problem; it is a solution to high unemployment and unequal economic opportunities,” the movement stated.
The organization condemned the government’s approach as counterproductive, arguing that it threatens the financial stability of ordinary citizens.
“The Central Government and Harare City Council must understand that their decisions do not address the root issues; instead, they threaten to destroy the livelihoods that many have worked hard to establish,” ZSM added.
The movement’s statement also invoked the national mantra, “Nyika Inovakwa nevene vayo” (The country is built by its people), urging officials to reflect on their responsibilities to create economic opportunities rather than destroy them.
“Taking vending away from people is akin to stripping them of their oxygen,” they proclaimed.
ZSM called on all Zimbabweans, including those who may not be directly affected by the vending removal orders, to resist such governmental moves. It described the decisions as not just morally wrong but downright evil, encouraging citizens to stand up for justice and defend their right to livelihoods against what they perceive as a rogue government.
As tensions rise over the impending vendor clearances, the ZSM is rallying support to ensure that the voices of street vendors are heard and that their economic contributions are recognized and valued.