In a sweeping move to regulate urban commerce, Zimbabwean authorities have imposed a ban on the sale of second-hand clothing in all central business districts (CBDs) across the country’s municipalities. The new restrictions, which also outlaw nighttime vending, took effect on Monday.
Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe announced the measures during a press briefing, stating that the government had further prohibited the importation of second-hand clothes. He directed city officials, including those in Harare, to work with law enforcement agencies to enforce the ban immediately.
Minister Garwe justified the crackdown by arguing that informal street vending undercuts formal businesses that contribute to the economy through taxes. He also raised concerns about nighttime vending, linking it to illicit drug and substance deals that threaten public health, the economy, and national security.
The ban has sparked mixed reactions, with some traders fearing loss of livelihood, while formal retailers welcome the move as a step toward leveling the playing field. Critics, however, question whether the government has provided viable alternatives for the thousands who rely on the informal sector for income.
As enforcement begins, vendors in major cities like Harare and Bulawayo face an uncertain future, with many calling for dialogue to address the economic challenges driving informal trade.
