HARARE – United Zimbabwe Alliance (UZA) president Elisabeth Valerio has called for empathy and realism following the government’s decision to ban the importation and sale of second-hand clothes, as well as all night vending activities in Central Business Districts (CBDs).
The government recently announced the immediate enforcement of the ban, stating that the aim is to restore order in urban areas and bring structure to informal trading. However, Valerio says the move could have harmful consequences for thousands of families who rely on such economic activities for survival.
“Let us be honest with each other. Places like Mupedzanhamo clothed many of our people. Sakubva Musika has been the lifeline and business hub for countless families,” she said. “From Chinhoyi rank market to Masvingo, Kwekwe, Kadoma, Chegutu and all other towns across Zimbabwe — second-hand clothing and vending have sustained livelihoods for decades.”
Valerio acknowledged the desire for a clean and regulated economy but warned against policies that ignore the daily struggles of ordinary citizens. She pointed out that many Zimbabweans are turning to informal trade not out of preference, but because of economic necessity.
“Our economy has not yet recovered enough to absorb the informal sector into formal employment,” she said. “People turn to second-hand clothes — not because they do not love new things, but because they cannot afford them.”
She stressed that enforcement without alternatives could make conditions even harder for many citizens. “When we clamp down on informal traders without giving them alternatives, we are telling families to stop eating before we’ve provided food,” she added.
Valerio urged the government to focus on policies that integrate informal traders gradually, rather than criminalising their survival. She suggested investments in skills training, access to finance, and affordable spaces as better options than sudden bans.
“It is our duty as leaders to speak truth to power and advocate for balanced, humane policies,” she said. “We cannot keep chasing symptoms while ignoring the root causes. Our people deserve dignity, not punishment.”
Her remarks come as debate continues across the country on the social and economic impact of the new measures.
