The ZCIEA has criticized the government’s actions, asserting they will worsen Zimbabwe’s economy. Kizito Mupunga emphasized the need for updated regulations and central locations for vendors, who are crucial to the informal economy. He also highlighted the lack of meaningful dialogue between the government and informal workers.
The Zimbabwe Chamber of Informal Economy Association (ZCIEA) has expressed significant opposition to the government’s recent actions, indicating that such measures will exacerbate the nation’s troubling economic circumstances. Kizito Mupunga, the Acting National President of ZCIEA, contended that eliminating vendors without addressing the more profound economic challenges will heighten instability and increase vulnerability among informal workers.
Mupunga criticized the government’s perspective, asserting that the root issue lies in the failure to provide adequate spaces for informal workers, compounded by the reliance on outdated colonial-era bylaws. These regulations, established in 1937, are ill-suited to cope with present economic realities and contradict Zimbabwe’s current constitutional framework, ultimately stifling the growth of the informal sector.
Additionally, Mupunga emphasized that the government’s decision does not present a viable solution for the vendors, who play an essential role in the informal economy. He argued that vendors need accessible, central locations for their operations, akin to the prime areas occupied by malls and supermarkets, rather than being relegated to the peripheries of the city where customer traffic is minimal.
Moreover, Mupunga voiced his disappointment regarding the lack of authentic dialogue between the government and informal workers. Despite previous commitments to formalize the informal economy, the recent directive was enacted without substantial consultation or regard for the specific needs of street vendors.
The ZCIEA’s criticism highlights significant concerns regarding the Zimbabwean government’s approach to managing the informal economy. Kizito Mupunga’s insights reveal that simply removing vendors will not resolve the underlying issues but may worsen the existing economic challenges. Effective dialogue and updated regulations accommodating the needs of informal workers are essential to support this vital sector.
Original Source: www.channelafrica.co.za
