HARARE – A fresh wave of criticism has erupted from within the ruling Zanu PF ranks following the government’s abrupt decision to ban the importation and sale of second-hand clothing (mabhero), as well as all street and night-time vending activities.
Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe announced the controversial measures on Monday, August 4, during a meeting with Harare City Councillors at Town House.
“I want to make it clear that government has banned the importation and selling of second-hand clothing,” Garwe declared. “As a result, all street vending and night vending activities are now prohibited with immediate effect.”
He further directed municipal authorities to enforce the ban urgently, saying: “The City of Harare is directed to work closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure there is no further vending on the streets or at night. The time to act is now — not tomorrow.”
However, the announcement has drawn immediate fire from Zanu PF hardliners, including social media activists aligned with the party. Admins of the influential Operation Restore Legacy page – known for defending President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s policies – took to Facebook to vent their anger.
“These guys — are they supporting President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa or are they sabotaging him quietly by creating silly confusion that could trigger an uprising?” they wrote.
The post referenced the recently launched Presidential Empowerment Fund, which was intended to assist informal traders and vendors operating under the Vendors for ED banner.
“Just a few days ago, the Presidential Empowerment Fund was availed to Vendors for ED,” the page continued. “Now those same beneficiaries, many of whom had stockpiled goods for resale, have just been hit with a ban that stops them from trading — courtesy of Minister Garwe.”
They added in frustration: “Tirikumboenda kupi chaizvo senyika???” (Where are we really going as a country?)
The move also raises concerns about enforcement feasibility. Zimbabwe’s informal sector remains the backbone of its fragile economy. According to ZimStat’s latest economic census, 76 percent of the economy functions informally, and 88 percent of the workforce is employed outside the formal sector — a large portion of whom rely on vending to survive.
Garwe, however, insisted that enforcement of the ban must be conducted respectfully. “There is absolutely no need to be aggressive. Authorities should not use force or heavy-handed tactics,” he said.
Still, the timing and scope of the ban have left many confused and angry, especially among Zanu PF-aligned vendors who had believed they were being empowered by the government.
Second-hand clothing has become a vital part of Zimbabwe’s urban retail scene, offering affordable options for struggling citizens. Jeans and jackets can go for as little as US$2, making mabhero stalls a popular shopping destination.
Street vending, often seen as the last lifeline for many urban families, has also grown in scale — with pavements, bus ranks, and city corners transformed into busy marketplaces. Night vending has become especially common, allowing traders to operate with less interference from municipal authorities.
With dissent emerging from within the ruling party’s own support base, it remains to be seen whether Minister Garwe will stick to the policy — or be forced to walk it back under political pressure.
