By Tatenda Maposa, Human Rights Defender

The ultimatum issued by the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe, does not offer a solution to Zimbabwe’s ongoing economic challenges. With the country’s inflation rate standing at 57.5% according to the Consumer Price Index, and over 80% of the population engaged in informal economic activities, Garwe’s approach seems misinformed and ineffective.

Instead of exploring innovative ways to address the informal sector, the minister has resorted to authoritarian tactics that fail to address the root causes of the issue.

It is critical for the minister to recognize that informal employment in Zimbabwe is linked to vulnerability, including heightened risks of food insecurity, limited employment rights, and inadequate social protection. Rather than resorting to heavy-handed measures, the government should consider solutions that take these challenges into account.

We call on Minister Garwe to reconsider his stance and work toward people-centered solutions that acknowledge the hardships citizens are currently enduring.

Reports from various towns have highlighted instances where local councils are seizing people’s belongings by force. This raises serious concerns about how such actions will be accounted for by the nation. The people feel that the minister has made decisions in isolation, without proper consultation with citizens. As a result, his actions are likely to deepen the suffering of already vulnerable populations, further exacerbating poverty.

We urge the government to establish designated, affordable spaces for informal vendors and to formalize the sector, which already plays a significant role in the country’s GDP. Rather than relying on harsh measures, it is essential to implement economic policies that create sustainable solutions, enabling the development of a world-class Zimbabwe with a thriving, viable economy.