Sanganai/Hlanganani a boon for Mutare traders

By Elizabeth Kucherera

For Farai Sibindi, 24, from Mutare, Manicaland, the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi World Tourism Expo, which recently concluded, was a life-saving event, according to him. As a vendor, Mr. Sibindi shared how his shoe-selling business at Bako Fleamarket was transformed during the expo. His bright smile showcased his white teeth as he said, “Sanganai Expo has changed my life. Since I started this business, I have never made such a profit as I did last week.”

He used to sell one or two boxes (25 pairs per box) per day, but during the Sanganai Expo, he would sell more than five boxes, making a $25 profit per box. This meant he would pocket over $100 profit per day that week. Mr. Sibindi further expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Tourism for organizing the national event, which significantly boosted his income.

Blessing Musa, a single mother of three who sells green vegetables at Mwamuka Vegetable Supermarket, echoed similar sentiments. With evident joy, she shared how her business thrived during the expo: “Most farmers come and sell their products to us at wholesale prices, and then we sell them in large and small quantities. Last week, all our vegetables, including tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers, were sold in large quantities, especially to hotels and lodges. Sanganai was a blessing to my family because I managed to pay my kids’ fees without any hassle.”

Melissa Forges, a vendor from Village Market, was another beneficiary of the Sanganai Expo. “Because of this event, illegal vendors were cleared from the streets, and buyers in town were forced to buy from our malls, and we benefited. We used to earn less than $50 per day, but during the Sanganai week, we earned more than $200 per day,” said Forges.

However, for mobile vendors in Mutare, the experience was bittersweet. Mitchel Humani, a 19-year-old mobile vendor from Sakubva Bus Terminus, almost cried during the interview. “We failed to survive during Sanganai because of our mobility. Since we weren’t allowed to sell our goods in the streets, especially in town, we lost out,” she said. Humani also acknowledged the importance of selling her goods at a well-designated place like Bako Fleamarket or Village Market. “I’ve learned the hard way to acquire a table to be comfortable in upcoming events in Mutare,” she said.

In a telephone interview, Bernita Gonese, President of the Zimbabwe Chambers of Informal Economy Association (ZICIEA), stated that Sanganai was a mixed event for vendors. “The event was a cake iced with sugar for vendors with tables because they benefited significantly, especially those at Village Market in town, Bako Fleamarket in Sakubva, and Mwamuka Vegetable Market in Sakubva,” she said. However, mobile vendors were affected because they weren’t allowed to sell their goods in the streets. Mrs. Gonese pleaded with the Mutare City Council to consider mobile vendors during future national programs and provide them with a place to survive, as some cannot afford table fees.

David Muatambirwa, Coordinator for Vendors Initiative for Social and Economic Transformation (VISET) Manicaland, shared a similar perspective. “Vending has become an alternative economy in Mutare and the country at large. Even the gainfully employed are vending to make ends meet. The Sanganai Expo brought both sorrow and happiness. There are two sides to the coin. Vendors who were accredited made a killing, while their counterparts operating in undesignated areas were flushed out. Running battles ensued, and their items were confiscated by law enforcement agencies,” said Mr. Muatambirwa.

TOP PIC: Mobile vendors failed to benefit from the business boom as they were cleared off the streets