Vendors are creative ordinary citizens willing to take "ACTION' to address their personal economic challenges

"Vending has become a normal way of life for even University graduates"

I am People

Street vendors are not a unique development exclusive to Zimbabwe, they are actually an integral part of urban economies around the world, offering easy access to a wide range of goods and services in public spaces. They sell everything from fresh vegetables to prepared foods, from building materials to garments and crafts, from consumer electronics to auto repairs to haircuts.

Vending is not a new activity, it has always existed in Council controlled zones like the Mbare Market stalls where even the most wealthy used to travel to seek good bargains. It's usually created by low barriers to entry, limited start-up costs, and flexible hours which are some of the factors that draw street vendors to the occupation. Many people enter street vending because they cannot find a job in the formal economy.

But surviving as a street vendor requires a certain amount of skill. Competition among vendors for space in the streets and access to customers is strong in many cities. And vendors must be able to negotiate effectively with wholesalers and customers.

Street vendors face other routine occupational hazards. Many lift and haul heavy loads of goods to and from their point of sale. They are exposed to physical risk due to a lack of proper fire safety equipment, and also exposed to injury from the improper regulation of traffic in commercial areas.

Insufficient waste removal and sanitation services result in unhygienic market conditions and undermine vendors’ sales as well as their health, and that of their customers.

Street vending is not a problem, it is the organisation of street vending that is lacking in most urban centres. The creation of membership-based organizations is a good start to helping street vendors navigate their relationship with the authorities, build solidarity and solve problems with other vendors. Government needs to come up with working alternatives, institutionalise vending so there is a legal framework of monitoring their financial earning activities. Our banking sectors can create packaged account products targeted at vendors that can help them grow their profits so they can gradually become stream-lined entrepreneurs. Our Council's can also ensure vending markets have clean facilities, clean water to avoid creating a health hazard.

After all has been said and discussed vendor's mostly exist because of a lack of jobs and employment opportunities in society.