Female vendors operating at illegal sites in Bulawayo’s Central Business District (CBD) face a daily battle with municipal police as they attempt to safeguard their livelihoods and avoid confiscation of their goods.
With Zimbabwe’s economy increasingly dependent on the informal sector, many women have turned to vending as a primary means of survival.
This has exposed them to intimidation, harassment, and exploitation by both municipal police and opportunistic individuals.
On Monday, the Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe (WICOZ) convened a roundtable discussion with vendors and stakeholders to address the ongoing harassment experienced by women vendors.
At the meeting, vendors described their plight, including exploitation by individuals claiming to offer “protection” from the authorities.
“People come early in the morning, demanding ZAR5 per vendor, claiming they can divert the municipal police from chasing us,” explained one vendor.
Another vendor, who sells second-hand clothes, shared how confiscated goods are often returned incomplete.
“Sometimes they take sealed sacks of stock, but when we pay the fines and collect them, they’re half-empty. We lose not only the fine money but also part of the stock we depend on to survive.”
The vendors further highlighted growing competition as more people enter the informal market, including individuals with formal jobs who set up stalls after work hours.
“Everyone is selling now, but the market hasn’t grown. We’re realising even smaller profits,” said another vendor.
An information gap was also noted, with some vendors unaware of the processes required to obtain legal vending licenses.
“We need workshops to educate us on how to operate legally,” implored one vendor.
Audrey Manyemwe, Gender Focal Person from the Bulawayo City Council, encouraged vendors to approach the council for guidance on registering for vending bays while noting the importance of adhering to city bylaws.
“It’s good that you recognise you are operating illegally. We are governed by laws, and they must not be broken,” Manyemwe said. “Vending spaces are limited, and congestion in the CBD has worsened as most vendors prefer operating there instead of residential areas.”
She acknowledged reports of extortion and assured vendors that offenders would face consequences.
“It’s unfortunate that some individuals are taking advantage of the situation. If caught, they will be punished because their actions are illegal.”
Dalubuhle Sibanda, Zimbabwe Gender Commission Matabeleland Regional Coordinator, urged vendors to gather accurate information and approach relevant authorities to avoid exploitation.
Clayton Mharadzano, a Business and Cooperative Development Officer in the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, encouraged vendors to formalise their operations.
“By registering your businesses—individually or as cooperatives—you can increase profits and access opportunities such as tenders, which are difficult to secure without formal registration,” Mharadzano said.
