SYDNEY MUBAIWA
MASVINGO- United Zimbabwe Alliance (UZA) president Elizabeth Valerio has hit back at Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe after he announced an immediate ban on night vending and the sale of second-hand clothing in the country’s city centres.
Posting on X, (formerly Twitter), the opposition party leader said while the ban is meant to regulate informal trading, it is important to approach the issue not only with law but with empathy and realism.
“I have noted that the Government has officially announced the immediate ban on the importation and sale of secondhand clothing, as well as all night vending activities in our Central Business Districts (CBDs). While the stated goal of this policy is to restore order in urban centres and bring regulation to informal trading, it is important that we approach this issue not only with law but with empathy, common sense and realism.
“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. From Chinhoyi rank market to Masvingo, Kwekwe, Kadoma, Chegutu and many other towns across Zimbabwe- secondhand clothing and vending have sustained livelihoods for decades. To suddenly cut off these avenues without addressing the root causes is not only unfair- it is dangerous and shortsighted,” she said.
On Monday, 4 August, 2025, Garwe instructed all local authorities to start enforcing the ban in all CBD, a development which sparked fierce debate among the not so well up who cannot afford new clothes.
Posting on X, prominent lawyer and activist Fadzayi Mahere said the ban is invalid .She accused the minister of acting outside the law, arguing that banning any form of trade through a press statement was unconstitutional and could not be enforced legally.
“Dear Honourable Ministers. As a matter of law, you have no power to ban trade or any other activity bh a press statement. Section 68 of the Constitution requires all actions by the Government to carry the force of law. Unless there is a valid enactment underlying your ban, it is invalid and of no force or effect. This is a constitutional democracy, not an unwieldy jungle. Let’s adhere to the rule of law. We need new leaders,” she said.
