The Zimbabwe Chamber of Informal Economy Association condemned government actions that remove vendors, arguing it will worsen economic instability. Kizito Mupunga criticized the outdated regulations and stressed the need for accessible locations for informal workers. He lamented the lack of genuine dialogue between the government and informal workers.
The Zimbabwe Chamber of Informal Economy Association (ZCIEA) has issued a strong critique of recent government actions, stating that such measures will exacerbate the nation’s critical economic challenges. Kizito Mupunga, the Acting National President of ZCIEA, emphasized that expelling vendors without addressing root economic issues will result in increased instability and heightened vulnerability for those in the informal sector.
Mupunga contended that the government’s reasoning is fundamentally flawed. He pointed out that the core issue lies in the lack of provision for adequate spaces for informal workers, coupled with the outdated colonial-era regulations from 1937, which do not align with contemporary economic conditions or the existing constitutional framework of Zimbabwe, thus stifling the informal sector’s potential for growth.
Moreover, he criticized the government’s approach for not providing a viable solution for vendors, who play an essential role in the informal economy. Mupunga noted that vendors need accessible and central locations for their businesses, akin to the prime spots occupied by malls and supermarkets, instead of being relegated to the city’s peripheries, which limits customer access.
He expressed concern regarding the absence of meaningful dialogue between the government and informal workers. Despite earlier discussions aimed at formalizing the informal economy, the recent directives were executed without genuine consultation or consideration for the realities faced by street vendors.
In summary, the ZCIEA’s criticism of government actions highlights significant concerns regarding the welfare of informal workers in Zimbabwe. Kizito Mupunga argues that without addressing fundamental economic challenges and providing appropriate operational spaces, the situation for vendors will deteriorate further. Effective dialogue and genuine consultation with informal workers are essential to develop sustainable solutions for the sector’s challenges.
Original Source: www.channelafrica.co.za
