In response to the government’s directive to restore order in the streets by removing vendors, the City of Bulawayo has announced the relocation of informal traders operating along 5th Avenue to a designated site at Bhaktas 2, along Lobengula Street and 2nd Avenue.

While the authorities argue that the move will ensure cleanliness, decongestion, and proper regulation of informal trade, vendors have expressed mixed reactions. Some welcome the relocation plan, provided there is fair allocation, while others argue that vending is their only means of survival in a struggling economy.

The relocation of vendors in Bulawayo comes as part of a broader nationwide crackdown on illegal vending. The Zimbabwean government issued a 48-hour ultimatum five days ago for all local authorities to clear illegal vending sites, with support from law enforcement agencies, including the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP).

Local Government and Public Works Minister, Daniel Garwe announced the directive, citing concerns over the rise of night trading, public health risks, and security challenges. He warned that unregulated marketplaces not only disrupt operations of legal traders but also contribute to sanitation problems, increasing the risk of diseases such as typhoid, dysentery, and cholera.

“The accumulation of waste from these vendors has rendered some roads, sanitary lanes, and sidewalks impassable, exacerbating public health risks,” Minister Garwe said.

Authorities have emphasised that all informal traders must hold valid licenses and operate in designated vending areas equipped with proper sanitary facilities. Those found violating the directive will face fines and possible impoundment of their goods.

The City of Bulawayo, through a public notice issued on March 17, 2025, emphasised that all vendors currently trading on 5th Avenue must move to the new site. 

According to the council, priority in the allocation of bays will be given to the first 600 traders who were legally operating on 5th Avenue, while an additional 460 bays will be assigned to traders who had previously been allocated space at Bhaktas and met all licensing and rental requirements.

“We urge all affected traders to cooperate with the authorities during this transition period to ensure a smooth relocation process. Your understanding and compliance with the council’s decision are greatly appreciated,” said BCC Town Clerk, Christopher Dube in the statement.

The city further reminded vendors that in line with Statutory Instrument 220 of 2023, pushcarts will no longer be allowed within certain areas of the central business district. Violators will face fines and impoundment of their goods.

Despite the city’s call for compliance, many vendors remain skeptical about the move. For many, street vending is their primary source of income in a country battling high unemployment rates.

One trader who sells clothing items on 5th Avenue, Tafadzwa Ncube, said the government should first address job creation before forcing vendors off the streets.

“We don’t have jobs. What are we supposed to do? Vending is not a choice for most of us, but a necessity,” Ncube said. He added, “If the authorities can guarantee fair allocation of space, then maybe we can cooperate. But if they are just removing us to benefit a few, we will resist.”

Another vendor who sells vegetables, Sithandazile Moyo, fears that relocation will hurt her business, as the new site may not attract the same number of customers.

“Most of our customers know us here. Moving to a new place means starting all over again. That’s a risk for people like me who rely on daily sales to survive,” she said.

Some vendors have called for dialogue with authorities before the implementation of the government’s directive. 

Traders are now urging the city council to ensure a transparent allocation process and to engage them in meaningful discussions before enforcing the plan.

The City of Bulawayo has advised all traders to visit the vending offices at the former Dugmore Clinic to verify their allocated bay numbers. However, resistance remains, with some vendors vowing to continue trading in defiance of the directive.