By a Sentinel Correspondent

The National Democratic Working Group (NDWG) has slammed Local Government Minister, Daniel Garwe’s order on Local authorities to evict street vendors, demanding that government immediately withdraws the order and address root causes of the rot affecting Zimbabwe’s urban areas.

Zimbabwe’s Local Government Minister, Daniel Garwe on 12 March 2025 issued an ultimatum instructing local authorities to remove illegal vendors from the streets, citing unsanitary conditions and alleged criminal activities

Addressing a press conference in Harare today, Tauya Chinama, the NDWG Youth Wing Spokesperson said vending is not a choice, but a necessity and matter of life and death for many Zimbabweans who, owing to prevailing economic hardships have been left with no other lifeline.

“The ZANU PF government’s gross incompetence and misgovernance have ravaged our economy, leaving many Zimbabweans struggling to survive”, Chinama said.

“Instead of addressing the root causes of poverty and economic instability, the government is waging war on the most vulnerable members of our society”, Chinama stated, citing abetted endemic corruption as one of the key problems affecting the socio-economic wellbeing of ordinary Zimbabweans.

“Vendors will not be silenced or intimidated. They will defend their livelihoods against a deceitful government that prioritises corruption and self-interest over the welfare of citizens, Chinama said.

He said NDWG is in solidarity with Zimbabweans who are suffering economic hardships, adding that progressive and democratic forces cannot afford to be silent “when our very existence is under threat of extinction”.

Urging government to address root causes of poverty and engage in dialogue with street vendors, Chinama demanded that Garwe’s order against vendors be immediately withdrawn. He said government must respect the rights of vendors and other marginalised citizens, providing them with alternative livelihoods and better economic opportunities.

As part of addressing poverty, Chinana said the Zimbabwean government must in address corruption and “invest in infrastructure and services that support the growth of small businesses and informal trade.” He said government must ensure that law enforcement agencies respect the rights of vendors by not harassing and intimidating them.

Formed in 2024, NDWG identifies itself as a civic coalition of civil society organisations, political parties and other progressive and democratic forces seeking to free Zimbabwean masses by advancing social justice.

-A Citizen Journalism Network Story

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