Zimbabwe government orders Harare vendors to vacate streets by September 9

The Zimbabwe government has issued a seven-day ultimatum to illegal street vendors in Harare and other urban centers, ordering them to vacate unauthorized trading sites by September 9.

Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe stated that the crackdown is necessary to address urban disorder, sanitation issues, and the obstruction of pedestrian walkways and formal business entrances. Garwe described the current state of street vending as “a threat to the health and security of our nation,” though he acknowledged that informal trading is a recognized source of livelihood.

Following the deadline, the Ministry plans to launch a “comprehensive, zero-tolerance clean-up operation” in coordination with other government agencies. Vendors have been directed to relocate to legally designated marketplaces provided by local authorities. In response, some traders have expressed concerns that the move could destroy their primary means of survival and have called for dialogue with the government.