Local government minister Daniel Garwe has ordered urban councils to ban night vending and the selling of second hand clothes on the streets with immediate effect
The government has banned night vending and the street sale of second-hand clothes, in a move that threatens the livelihoods of thousands in Zimbabwe’s informal sector.
Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe announced the immediate enforcement of the ban, citing urban bylaw violations and rising crime, which he described as a “national security threat.”
Harare officials have been directed to carry out the crackdown in an orderly manner.
However, no alternative income plans have been proposed, raising fears of widespread unemployment.
This is a developing story.
*Comments from Zimbabweans after government bans night vending & selling of mabhero in CBDs*
https://chat.whatsapp.com/CkEnjoFtzm90mfyyQ72eYJ?mode=ac_t
@Tapiwa Freddy Mkutuma;
Aaaah varikuda kuti vanhu vararame.sei
@Tendai Chipo Dube;
Ko kurwadzisa vana vezimbabwe ndokutungamira nyika here zvakaoma hazvo
@Gugu Dube;
People are trying to make a living,they want to take bread out of their mouths mxxm
@tendaitlou;
People aren’t stealing, but’re hustling to make ends meet without resorting to criminal activities, yet the government moves to ban vendors wt providing an alternative. The same vendors are being chased by Council Officers during the day, then banned at night. Elitist thinking.
@Dephine Mataka;
Torarama nekutenga hembe kuma bhero tofamba takashama here
*THE STORY*:
The Government has banned night vending and the sale of second-hand clothing in Central Business Districts (CBDs) across Zimbabwe.
The directive was announced by Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe during a meeting with Harare councillors and officials at Town House.
Immediate Enforcement Ordered Across All Urban Councils
According to The Chronicle, Minister Garwe has instructed all local authorities to begin immediate enforcement of the ban.
Councils are expected to clear illegal vending stalls, monitor compliance, and coordinate with law enforcement to restore order in city centres.
Garwe warned that the proliferation of night vending, particularly in Harare, had reached alarming levels.
Why the Ban? Concerns Around Health, Safety, and Economy
Authorities cite a number of reasons for the crackdown:
Public safety after dark
Waste management issues
Health and hygiene risks linked to second-hand clothing
Urban aesthetics
Protection of local textile industries
While night vending and “bhero” sales have long been a source of income for many low-income Zimbabweans, officials argue that their unregulated nature contributes to disorder in the urban environment.
Traders Likely to Be Hard Hit
The move is expected to hit informal traders hard, especially those who rely on night-time vending and the resale of used clothing for survival. Many are now anxiously awaiting clarification on whether designated areas or alternative solutions will be provided.
