The Zimbabwe Chamber of Informal Economy Association has condemned government actions against informal vendors, warning of increased economic instability. Kizito Mupunga, the Acting National President, criticized ineffective colonial-era bylaws and highlighted the lack of practical solutions or genuine dialogue with informal workers.
The Zimbabwe Chamber of Informal Economy Association (ZCIEA) has voiced strong opposition to recent government actions, warning that these moves may exacerbate the nation’s already precarious economic state. Kizito Mupunga, the Acting National President of ZCIEA, asserted that eliminating vendors without tackling the root economic issues could result in increased instability and vulnerability among informal workers.
Mupunga criticized the government’s perspective, arguing that the core issue lies in the inadequate provision of operational spaces for informal workers and the reliance on outdated colonial regulations. He noted that the bylaws established in 1937 are inconsistent with contemporary economic realities and Zimbabwe’s constitutional framework, impeding the growth of the informal sector.
He emphasized that the government’s actions do not provide practical solutions for vendors, who are essential to the country’s informal economy. Vendors need accessible and centrally located spaces to operate, akin to the convenient locations of malls and supermarkets, rather than being relegated to less trafficked areas on the city outskirts.
Mupunga expressed his disappointment over the lack of authentic communication between the government and informal workers. He mentioned that, despite previous efforts to formalize the informal economy, the latest directive was enforced without adequate consultation or attention to the requirements of street vendors.
In summary, the Zimbabwe Chamber of Informal Economy Association has raised significant concerns regarding government actions concerning informal vendors. Kizito Mupunga emphasizes the necessity for engaging with informal workers to address their actual needs and the importance of reforming outdated bylaws. Without addressing these underlying issues, the government risks further destabilizing an already strained economic landscape.
Original Source: www.channelafrica.co.za
