WOMEN’S UNIVERSITY IN AFRICA

Addressing gender disparity and fostering equity in University Education

UNCONTROLLED STREET VENDING: A RECIPE FOR CONFLICT? A CASE

STUDY OF HARARE’S CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT (CBD).

BY

NOKUTHULA PRISCA SHONHIWA

W141119

A DISSERTATION SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF SOCIAL AND GENDER

TRANSFORMATIVE SCIENCES IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE

REQUIREMENTS FOR BSc SOCIOLOGY AND GENGER DEVELOPMENT STUDIES.

SUPERVISOR: MR M. SAMUGWEDE

MAY 2017
 APPROVAL FORM

The Undersigned certify that they read and recommended to the Women’s University in Africa
for acceptance, a Research Project entitled, ‘THE EFFECTS OF UNCONTROLLED
VENDING, A RECIPE FOR CONFLICT: A CASE STUDY OF HARARE’S CENTRAL
BUSINESS DISTRICT (CBD).

Submitted by NOKUTHULA SHONHIWA in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the

Bachelor of Social Sciences (Honours) Degree in Sociology and Gender Development Studies.

SUPERVISOR

…………………………………………………………….

FACULTY COODINATOR

………………………………………………………………

EXTERNAL EXAMINER

………………………………………………………………..

DATE

…………………………………………………………………

i
 RELEASE FORM

NAME OF AUTHOR: NOKUTHULA PRISCA SHONHIWA

TITLE OF PROJECT: THE EFFECTS OF UNCONTROLLED

VENDING, A RECIPE FOR CONFLICT

A CASE STUDY OF HARARE’S CBD.

PROGRAMME UNDER WHICH BSC HONOURS IN SOCIOLOGY AND

PROJECT WAS GRANTED GENDER DEVELOPMENT STUDIES

YEAR THIS DEGREE WAS GRANTED MAY 2017

Permission is hereby granted to Women’s University in Africa library to produce single copies of
this project and lend or sell such copies for private, scholarly or scientific research purposes
only. The author reserves the other publication rights and neither the project nor the extension
extracts from it may be printed or otherwise reproduced without the author’s written permission.

SIGNED………………………………………..DATE…………………………………………..

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 DEDICATION

I dedicate this research to my mother, my loving husband Munyaradzi Bakasa, my colleagues at

work, my sisters and the Bakasa family for the love and support they showed me during the
entire studying period. It was through your support that I managed to complete my degree. To
my aunt, Prof Hope Sadza thank you so much for encouragements and inspiring me to carry on
and aim high.

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I wish to acknowledge the assistance I received from the following people who made it possible
for this research project to be completed.

My supervisor, Mr Samugwede for guidance, encouragement and supervision which greatly

assisted me throughout this Research Project.

I sincerely acknowledge gratitude to all of my lectures for their intellectual and consistent
support throughout my studies at Women’s University in Africa.

To my colleagues at work, Constance Mutengi and Abigail Samunyanga for their support all the
time when I needed assistance during my studies.

My loving husband and my mother who played an enormous role of enduring, supporting and
understanding me during the time I was studying.

Many thanks are accorded to the authorities that allowed me to obtain information from their
organizations as I carried out my research.

Above all, I thank the almighty God who made it possible for me to complete the research
project through wisdom and grace bestowed upon me.

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 ABSTRACT

Illegal street vending is on a rampant increase in most African countries. Harare’s city is
decorated by the informal businesses of vendors trying to make a livelihood due to the economic
meltdown. This study sought to investigate on the effects of uncontrolled vending and if this
happened to be the cause of the endless conflicts among different stakeholders in the vending
fraternity. The study mainly focused on Harare’s CBD. The respondents in total were 70 of
whom more were males. Data were collected through structured interviews and observations.
The respondents were selected from the responsible authorities and vendor support groups. The
Conflict theory was utilized to bring out the causes of conflict within the streets. Based on the
research, it is established that street vendors use streets for accessibility to their customers, they
do not pay formal taxes, rents and license fees. The streets have become an everyday site of
struggles between vendors and the authorities, vendors amongst themselves and between vendors
and legal shop owners. Besides the authorities’ aim to maintain peace and order they have other
interests that are satisfied by the availability of the illegal street vendors in the streets. Street
vendors have no voice or authoritative representation hence the Harare city council are the main
players in determining their fate on the streets. Vendors also get involved in criminal activities
and prostitution in order to earn more income. Vendors are also a source of communicable
diseases, pollution and contribute to congestion within the CBD. It was established that
Zimbabwe does not have policies for street commerce hence the government is urged to
formulate more inclusive policies that will accommodate all traders according to their practical
needs and not perceived needs such as building formal market infrastructure for all. The
research provided an insight on the various causes of street vending and taking into
consideration surrounding countries. The research managed to outline the daily experiences of
street vendors and how they manage to carry on even if they face a lot of challenges.

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 LIST OF ACRONYMS

CBD Central Business District

EMA Environmental Management Agency

ESAPs Economic Structural Adjustment Programmes

HCC Harare City Council

HITC Harare Informal Trading Council

HTR Harare Residents Trust

MSMECD Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises and Cooperative

Development

NAVUZ National Vendors Union of Zimbabwe

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 LIST OF APPENDICES

APPENDIX A: Interview guide schedule

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

CONTENT PAGE

ITEM

Approval form i

Release form ii

Dedication iii

Acknowledgements iv

Abstract v

List of Tables vi

List of Acronyms vii

List of Appendices viii

Table of Contents x

CHAPTER 1

RESEARCH OVERVIEW

1.1 Introduction 1

1.2 Background of the study 1

1.3 Statement of the problem 6

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1.4 Research objectives 6

1.5 Research Questions 6

1.6 Justification of the study 7

1.7 Delimitations 8

1.8 Limitations of the study 8

1.9 Study Assumptions 9

1.10 Theoretical Framework 10

1.11 Chapter Summary 12

CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Introduction 13

2.2 Sub-topics 13

2.3 Chapter Summary 31

CHAPTER 3

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 Introduction 32

3.2 Research Design 33

3.3 Population of the study 33

3.4 Sample and sampling procedures 34

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3.5 Research Instruments 34

3.6 Ethical considerations 36

3.7 Chapter summary 37

CHAPTER 4

PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION OF RESEARCH FINDINGS

4.1 Introduction 38

4.2 Presentation of research findings 38

4.3 Discussion of research findings 51

4.4 Chapter summary 55

CHAPTER 5

SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Introduction 56

5.2 Summary 56

5.3 Conclusions 58

5.4 Recommendations 59

5.5 Chapter Summary 61

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 CHAPTER 1

RESEARCH OVERVIEW

1.1 Introduction

Street trade is raging and has become a source of employment and income for many urban

dwellers (Matsebula, 2014). However in most of the countries it is unaccounted for and it is not

recognized in national economic statistics. According to Chirisa (2008),street trade has in the

past been viewed as an underground activity that undermines the healthy function of the formal

economy. This opinion has resulted in conflicts with urban authorities over licensing, taxation,

site of operation, sanitation and working conditions. This chapter presents the introduction to the

study on the effects of uncontrolled vending as a recipe to conflict using a case study of Harare’s

CBD. This chapter also showcases other African countries other than Zimbabwe that have and

are experiencing uncontrolled vending. The chapter also tackles on the causes of the looming of

uncontrolled vending and why mostly African countries are faced with this problem. In this

chapter the background of vending and the actions taken against or in support of it will also be

highlighted. Also an overview on what the authorities and the vendors themselves resort to doing

in the current economic situation is given. Thus the chapter introduces how uncontrolled vending

has become a source of conflict in Harare’s CBD. This study is informed by the Conflict theory.

1.2Background of the study

According to Bloslaugh (2007), street vending behaviour has been described as involving

negotiation for physical space, economic opportunity and power, ultimately resulting in constant

conflict with law enforcement agencies, city authorities and the public at large. Within the broad

array of activities and services that are usually characterized as urban informal enterprises, street

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vending, which is particularly linked to the central areas of cities, has become the chief visible

and numerically important component of these enterprises(Jimu, 2005). It is generally seen as

operating outside normal legal regimes, and is characterized by violation of zoning codes and

non-compliance with labour codes and tax liabilities. Chirisa (2008) argues that street vending in

Africa and beyond has attracted public debates and media attention. This is because vending has

become a source of livelihoods to many unemployed people who are not formally employed.

With reference to other countries in Africa, street vendors continue trading with reckless

abandon and the City Fathers are reluctant to relocate them (Chirisa, 2008). In Blantyre, Malawi

for instance, the vendors were told to leave the streets but they did not comply. According

toMatsebula (2014), in Senegal, Nigeria, Tanzania and Ethiopia among other African states,

vendors have since vowed not to move from the streets until authorities provide them with

proper vending markets.

Matsebula (2014) asserts that in countries such as Lesotho, Mali and Zimbabwe, city authorities

have been engaging in running battles with vendors as they try to move them from the streets,

but the latter find their way back to the streets claiming there is not enough space in the

designated markets.Chirisa (2008) propounds that uncontrolled vending in towns cannot solely

be blamed on the vendors but central government, local government and the consumers among

stakeholders. Escalating unemployment rates due to declining industry performance have forced

over two million Zimbabweans to become vendors. Matsebula (2014) ascertains that this signals

that the government has failed to put in place a conducive business environment, in addition poor

planning in cities has forced vendors to go closer to the customers who are street walkers.

Unavailability of goods, informal shops and a lack of car parking areas have intensified the need

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for consumers to seek convenience in buying from vendors thus there is a huge increase in street

vending.

Street invasions have become the order of the day in Harare. The City of Harare Municipal

police and the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), in the spirit of bringing order to the Sunshine

City, frequently remove the illegal vendors through force. Fights between the authorities and the

vendors have become as common feature. Vendors on the other hand act according to the

dictates of their own conscience. Basically five groups of street users in Harare are noted,

motorists, cyclists, pedestrians, the green collar vendor and the white collar vendor. Green collar

and white collar vendors are those who specialize in perishable vegetables and non-consumables

such as pirated disks respectively (Njaya, 2014).

According to Chirisa (2008), Zimbabwe at 1980 inherited a dualistic development. Policies after

independence were directed towards addressing colonial imbalances. The government adopted

Economic Structural Adjustment Policy (ESAP), in 1991. Chirisa (2008), goes on to say that this

set of policies was underlined by a set of conditions which the government was to adopt as an

entry qualification to be financed. ESAP resulted in inter alia, widespread unemployment,

decline instandards of living, increase in prices of basic commodities and massive school

dropouts, (Chirisa, 2008). Whereas Matsebula (2014)insinuates that the government then decided

to relax some of the colonial dose by adjusting the regulations through Statutory Instrument (SI)

216 of 1994.Matsebula (2014), is of the notion that, such a move in letter and spirit, to

incorporate the informal sector activities like flea markets, stalls, shacks and home industries by

special consent increased the informal sector. Therefore, this relaxation of the colonial dose

opened the flood gates of the informal sector and vending in most urban areas.

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In 2005, the government instigated the controversial Murambatsvina Clean-up campaign which

saw thousands of urbanites’ illegal houses destroyed, leaving at least 700 00 people homeless

and without a source of livelihood. Matsebula (2014), notes that despite measures taken during

the Murambatsvina Clean-up campaign, the informal sector in Zimbabwe has worn a new face as

the actors have designed new adaptive strategies counteract restrictions and evictions by laws

imposed on them. The strategies include nocturnal vending and fighting fire with fire (fighting

back). The government has issued ultimatum a several times, but the street vendors find their

own way in cities. Street vendors have vowed that it will be declaring war on livelihoods if

army, police and city council among other law enforcementagencies are involved in the eviction

of vendors www.zbc.co.zw/news-categories/local-news.

According to Matsebula (2014), Harare was once called a ‘Sunshine City’, meeting international

standards in terms of order and being a clean city. However standards have deteriorated and the

vending anarchy is threatening to turn the national financial system into pavement economy,

(Matsebula, 2014). Uncontrolled vending in Harare’s CBD is scaring investors and its crippling

existing businesses that pay rentals and taxes resulting in unfair competition. Apart from this,

health risks such as cholera and also scaring of tourists have resulted.

The recent most common feature in the behaviour of illegal street vendors is nocturnisation,

(occurring in the night or being active at night). It is a direct reaction to police attacks, raids and

blitzes(Ndhlovu, 2011). During the day some vendors operate in a disguised manner to avoid

arrests, but as the police officers finish their duty at around 5pm, green collar vendors lay their

stock along streets without any fear of arrest. During this time of the day, the pavements are

over-congested, marked by buyers kneeling and crouching.Ndhlovu (2011),alleges that this is a

form of resistance to the spatial order wherein docility has proven to be an old strategy.

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Therefore unlike being caught, having goods confiscated and taken like a sheep led to the

slaughter, vendors in Harare have embarked on nocturnisation as the safest mode of operation

where the police would have slept.

Roever (2010), observed that intractable conflicts between vendors and governments arosenot

over the issue of formalization per se, but rather over ignorant behaviour (non-compliance), of

street vendors. She noted that negotiations over the terms of formality were conditioned by

changing political circumstances at the national, metropolitan and local levels. In India, street

vending organizations campaigned successfully for inclusive practices, national policy and law

on street commerce (Chen, 2012). In some cities for example, Durban, South Africa, street

vending organizations have become very influential, to the extent that they also participate in the

city planning.

Chirisa (2008), mentioned that the debate on uncontrolled vending is characterized by interested

parties having conflicting objectives. Thus, the existing scenario has resulted in tensions amongst

authorities and vendors. Knox and Marston, (2004) mentioned that conflict is caused by parties

having contrasting objectives to the matter. Hence this study seeks to assess the effects of

uncontrolled vending using a case study of Harare’s CBD. Studies by Chirisa (2008), Losby et al

(2002), Matsebula (2014), Knox and Marston (2004) were mainly focused on the informal

sector, and were not specific to Harare. Thus, this study is unique and interesting as it is dwelling

on a current hot issue. It is against this background that there is need for an indepth exploration

of the context in which vendors are operating and the dynamics of conflict that exists.

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1.3 Statement of the problem

Uncontrolled vending activities in the Harare’s CBD has resulted in tensions amongst

authorities, vendors and consumers. Street vendors have vowed that they will be declaring war

on livelihoods if the army, police and city council among other law enforcement agencies are

involved in the eviction of vendors. Law enforcement agencies and city fathers want to restore

law and order in the city to meet emerging trends in cities. Unavailability of goods in formal

shops and lack of car parking areas have intensified the need of consumers to seek convenience

in buying from vendors. Thus the present situation is a recipe to conflict evidenced by conflicting

objectives of stakeholders with regard to vending in Harare’s CBD. This study therefore seeks to

assess the effects of uncontrolled vending to conflict using a case study of Harare’s CBD. The

major thrust is on potential or existing conflicts in evicting illegal vendors in Harare’s CBD,

interests and power of stakeholders, causes of the escalating increases in evicting illegal vendors

and conflict resolution strategies that should be put in place.

1.4 Research Objectives

 To understand the role of local authorities in accelerating conflict within the CBD

 Examine how vendors are copying with the conflict

 To suggest conflict resolution strategies in dealing with vending in Harare’s CBD

1.5 Research Questions

 In your opinion, what are the potential or existing conflicts in evicting illegal street

vendors in Harare’s CBD?

 From your perspective elaborate on the interests and power of stakeholders in illegal

street vending in Harare’s CBD?

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  From your observations, what would be the main causes of the escalating increases in

illegal vending in Harare’s CBD?

 Considering the surrounding circumstances what measures can the city authorities put in

place that favour both the vendors and the authorities?

 Why do vendors keep coming back to the streets considering the regular arrests and

harassment by city authorities?

 To what extent is vending sustainable to the household income?

 Why are the city authorities not ensuring provision of more structures for vendors within

the Central Business District of Harare?

 Is street vending a harbor for criminal activities and prostitution?

1.6 Justification of the study

This study provides information to policy makers and authorities on strategies that can be put in

place to solve illegal vending activities in the CBD. The study informs vendors on best

approaches to engage in legal vending. The researcher got valuable information on vending and

conflict resolution strategies. This sets a platform for scholars to understand key constructs in

conflict management. Further, scholars and the researcher get an empirical understanding on the

importance of conflict resolution within the context of vending and local authorities.

1.7 Delimitations of the study

In line with the research objectives the study explored literature on conflicts, interests and power

of stakeholders, causes of the escalating increases in evicting illegal vendors and conflict

resolution strategies. The study was mainly focused on the judicial power, power politics and

conciliatory approaches to conflict management.The study will be focused onHarare CityCouncil

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Management and Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA), personnel/administrators.

These respondents were based in Harare, Zimbabwe. Harare is the capital city where there is a

hyper of activity in illegal vending compared to other cities in Zimbabwe.

1.8 Limitations

The researcher encountered some challenges during research. Issues of street vending have

become sensitive as such some respondents refused to participate in the study as they thought the

researcher was one of the city council people under cover. Others did not understand the

relevance of them giving out information hence they regarded the researcher as an obstacle to

their business.The researcher also found challenges of respondents who failed to interpret

questions and at times ended up using Shona so that they would give the required information

and ended up translating the questions to suite the respondents.The researcher faced difficulties

in obtaining information from relevant authorities as most of the respondents would give excuses

of either being busy or not available at the time of the interview. Also some respondents from the

local authorities did not want to disclose much information about corruption taking place

between them and illegal vendors as they thought that it would be used against them as they

feared losing their jobs. The researcher faced restrictions from accessing information from the

higher level authorities within Harare City Council and ended up using low ranked officers for

the information.

1.9 Study Assumptions

 Vendors are bound to retaliate if they are prohibited from conducting their businesses by

relevant authorities.

 There are not enough designated legal places for vendors to sell their products.

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  School leavers engage in vending as a source of income due to high unemployment levels

in Southern African countries.

 Vending creates noisy and littered environments within the CBD.

 The local Authority plays a role in accelerating conflict within the CBD.

1.9.2 Definition of terms

Conflict: - friction or opposition resulting from actual or perceived differences or

incompatibilities

Illegal vendor: -people who offer goods and services for sale without licenses

Vendor: -is a person who offers goods or services for sale to the public without having a

permanently built structure but with a temporary static structure or mobile stall (or head-load).

1.10 Theoretical Framework

Conflict theory wasadopted in the research study. The conflict theory states that there is

existence of clashing groups in society. There are power struggles and inequalities that exist

within the classes. In this study the classes are the vendors and the authorities. The conflict is

signified by the fighting between the vendors and the relevant authorities with the vendors trying

to stay in their places of trade whereas the authorities would want to remove them and hence

maintain order. In most cases the authorities over power the vendors even though they always

fight back and relocate in their illegal places of business. The study adopted the Marxist conflict

theory and Dahrendorf’s conflict theory.

The theory states that power is the capacity to affect the life situations of people. Dominant

power is possessed by authorities and those people who own the means of life(Njaya, 2014). The

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theory states that conflict is always there between those in power and the servants, and the

capitalists and the working class. The capitalists always want to increase surplus and maximize

on profits, (Bettcher et al. 2009). Further, those in authority always want to be in control and

expect total compliance. In maximizing profits and compliance, the capitalists and those in

power may reduce wages and increase suppressive laws. Those in power may introduce laws that

protect their power and may have the authority to enforce these laws through violence and

penalties(Bhowmik, 2005). Governments have power, but typically they are instruments of the

ruling class. Government may act coercively if necessary to secure the stability of the capitalist

society. The Marxist theory has highlighted that authorities such as the Harare City Council and

the government of Zimbabwe may impose regulations and coercively enforce compliance. Thus

illegal vending activities in City Councils may attract the enforcement of laws which may be a

recipe of conflict.The theory mainly centres on relations of authority. The theory states that

where there are authority relations, the super ordinate element is socially expected to control by

orders, commands, warnings and prohibitions,(Flodman-Becker, 2004). The theory states that

there is always consensus and conflict in all authority relationships thus individuals will always

have mutual interests or opposing ones, (Hernando, 2002). In this case the city authorities and

the vendors have opposing interests in which one is superior to the other therefore resulting in

endless conflict between the two.

Dahrendorf’s theory states that the society is made up of imperatively coordinated associations in

which members are subject to imperative control or authority(Kusakabe, 2006). Although the

theory does not argue completely against the power of capitalists, group conflict arise when

authority is exercised. The theory states that conflict cannot be avoided in societies and groups

(Kusakabe, 2006). Thus conflict may arise from different stakeholders linked to the matter at

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hand. This means that illegal vending in the CBD may attract conflict from stakeholders such as

vendors, vendor supporting organizations, civil society, government, the City Council and the

general public.The theory also presents decisions that are done by man in society(Flodman-

Becker, 2004). The theory states that power does not only reside on authorities but in both the

masses and elites. Elites have power by virtue of their locations whilst masses have power in

their numbers (Carr and Chen, 2012). Elites have power by virtue of their locations in three

linked key institutions in society, being political, economic and military. In enforcing laws

against illegal vending, authorities may need to be aware of the power of masses and that of the

elite. Balancing the interests of these groups will enable a better management of the situation.

1.11Chapter Summary

This chapter represented the introduction to the study on the effects of uncontrolled vending as a

recipe to conflict using a case study of Harare’s CBD. The economic meltdown in Zimbabwe has

contributed immensely to the imbalance of economic structures such that illegal street vending

has become one of the vehicles to earn a living. Most of the unemployed people have turned to

street vending. However, despite the fact that illegal street vending has become a viable option

for many poor households, these vendors do not have trading licenses hence are always fighting

with city authorities and licensed shop owners.

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 CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Introduction

This chapter presents literature review on the study on effects of uncontrolled vending as a recipe

for conflict. In line with research objectives, the study will focus on literature of conflicts in

evicting illegal vendors, interests and power of stakeholders, causes of the escalating increases in

illegal vendors and conflict resolution strategies to deal with illegal vending. Literature review is

used to demonstrate skills in library searching, to show command of the subject area and

understanding of the problem, to justify the research topic, design and methodology (Hart, 1973).

2.2Conceptualising Street Vending

Street vending is one of the most visible activities in the informal economy and it is found

everywhere in the world, both in the developed and developing countries. It is also visible and

controversial component of the urban economy and the vendors operate their business in areas

that can be classified as public spaces and are originally unintended for trading purposes

(Chirisa, 2008). Across Africa, street vendors have indicated several reasons that have driven

them onto the streets and these include lack of space in the markets, lack of school fees, search

for economic opportunity and income, strategic nature of street vending, family influence in

form of supporting family members, entrepreneurship, lack of finance for larger business,

evading taxation, orphan-hood, widowhood, low level of education and poverty.

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Chirisa (2008) notes that street vendors are broadly classified as vendors who sell goods and

services in public spaces including sidewalks, alley walks, train stations, buses and public parks.

Whereas Marston and Knox, define a street vendor as fixed stalls such as kiosks, vendors who

operate from semi-fixed stalls, like folding tables, crates or wheeled pushcarts that are removed

from the streets and stored overnight. This also includes those who sell from fixed locations

without a stall structure, displaying merchandise on cloth or plastic sheets, or mobile vendors

who walk or cycle through the streets as they sell. In this study, street vendors relates to the

mobile and stationery vendors. According to Bhowmik (2004), street vendors may be stationery

in the sense that they occupy space on pavements or other public/private spaces or they may be

mobile in the sense that they move from place to place by carrying their wares on pushcarts or in

baskets on their heads. Street vendors operate on pedestrian walkways and on streets,

consequently causing intense struggle for space between the street traders and the pedestrians on

the pavements such that most of the pedestrians are therefore forced onto the streets, resulting in

conflict of vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

Street vending in Africa is causing problems that include overcrowding on city pavements,

displaying vending in front of licensed shops, garbage in the city centres, hazardous

environment, overstretching utilities such as water, congestion in the CBD, obstruction of

enforcing law and order, some street vendors are criminal elements, unsafe and unhealthy foods

causing diseases such as typhoid and cholera. The Daily News of January 24, 2017 reported that

the Harare City Council implemented a ban on the sale of food items in public, as well as giving

vendors 48 hours to stop their activities. The reasoning behind this move is understandable as

there are no measures in place to ensure whether food sold by vendors is safe for consumption

and vendors also contribute to the issue of littering and refuse in the city which contributes to the

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spread of typhoid. In a country with an estimated 90 percent unemployment rate, many citizens

have been forced to eke out a living by selling on the street illegally. Street vendors are known

to play a very important role in the urban economy by providing employment, income and other

items to the public. They sell different kinds of goods such as second hand clothes, vegetables,

fruits, food stuffs, plastic goods and various household necessities which are manufactured in

small scale or home based industries. Xaba et al. (2002) propounded that in many countries the

urban poor prefer to buy clothes and accessories from street vendors because the goods that they

sell are usually cheaper and affordable than those found in formal retail shops.

On the other hand, the Herald of January 20, 2017 reports on how vendors in Mbare Musika sell

their wares next to rubbish dumps. Rotting garbage, moist plastic and decomposing vegetable

excess give the place a lasing stench. The situation at Mbare Musika has been reported to making

it difficult to getting rid of typhoid and cholera since most fruits and vegetables are bought there

and resold in the city centre and surrounding suburbs. According to Chirisa (2008), Harare

(Hawkers) by –laws stipulates that hawking should be done by those with licenses and the

license fee cost is USD 120 per year. Chirisa (2008) goes on to say that no hawkers would be

allowed to be stationery for over 15 minutes. The licenses may be renewed or not after every

year.

2.2.1 Relationship between city authorities and the traders

Street vendors are exposed to conflicts among themselves, with urban authorities and with

formal traders. In other countries such as Kenya, conflicts between street traders and local

authorities are frequent. They mainly arise from the site of operation, and the consequent of

arrests and confiscation of goods. Conflict occurs when two or more people disagree or have

14
different interests and clash over certain issues. According to Bhowmik (2005), conflict is when

two or more values, perspectives and opinions are contradictory in nature and have not been

aligned or agreed about yet. On the other hand, Bloslaugh (2007) postulates that conflict is

experienced within individuals, when values and perspectives are threatened, discomfort from

fear of the unknown and from lack of fulfillment. Conflict is usually a sharp disagreement or

opposition as of interest or ideas. Thus the concept of conflict in this scenario relates to differing

interests among stakeholders who include vendors, government, the City Council, Vendor

Associations, shop owners and the general public. Illegal vending has attracted debates and

diverse opinions and perspectives on how to manage the situation. However, Chen (2012)

mentioned that conflict is inevitable and often good for conflicting parties. This is so because

whenever there is a conflict conflicting parties usually seek solutions to end the problems hence

it will be beneficial. Conflict arises when street vendors lose their goods and are evicted from

their place of business by city authorities. Corruption amongst the city authorities also causes

conflict as the vendors are made to pay bribes so as to secure their business places. Also the

relocation of street vendors to established places far from the city centre is a source of conflict as

they are always found back on the streets within the CBD where they get plenty customers but

however it will not be allowed but the authorities who will be trying to clean up the streets. In

some instances vendors fight back by throwing stones and teargas to Municipal Officers.

2.2.2 Conflicts in evicting Illegal Vendors in Cities and Towns

There is conflict that occurs in the way in which illegal street vendors are evicted and the

conflicts occur amongst the vendors themselves, between authorities and the vendors and

between licensed shop owners and vendors. Bettcher et al. (2009) ascertains that with political

will and compromise, the interest of the city and those of the informal traders can be reconciled.

15
However this is not always the case in most cities and towns. For example in Harare’s CBD

eviction of illegal vendors is supported by shop owners who pay taxes and rentals to the Harare

City Council and complain about customers being diverted by illegal vendors, to the vendors

who are earning a living through selling wares it appears unfair and on the other hand city

authorities who are bribed by illegal vendors take their time to remove them from the streets as

they need the income from vendors. This then becomes a recipe for conflict. Amongst

themselves the vendors sell out each otherto the city authorities as they protect their territories.

City authorities often go after certain areas most of the time and leave others due to being tipped

off by other vendors.

The Herald of January 21, 2017 reported that some Mbare Musika vendors were complaining of

always having their wares confiscated by the municipal officers but other areas are always left

and protected as they bribe municipal officers. Bhowmik (2005) propounds that corporative

relationships between traders and authorities may enable interests of both stakeholders to be met.

It is also noted that street vendors generally do not comply with state regulations of their

business enterprises, (Bloslaugh, 2007). According to Bromley (2000), illegal vendors are

constantly harassed by authorities in their plight to end over crowdedness and restore order in

towns and cities. An example is in Harare’s CBD where vendors are always guarding on their

wares in fear of losing them to city authorities. Vendors and their wares are often loaded in to

council lorries during arrest and they are made to pay fines at the same time losing the wares.

It has been observed that conflicts between authorities and vendors are an ongoing process. Carr

and Chen (2012) also note that negotiations over the terms of formality, changing political

powers and regulations has become another source of conflict. In India, street vending

organizations campaigned strongly for the inclusive policies and enforcement law on street

16
commerce. They campaigned so that street vending could be carried out smoothly without them

being afraid of authorities who constantly harass them. However, Matsebula (2014) propounds

that in South Africa, street vending has become influential over city planning in areas such as

Durban. In these areas the local authorities have lost influence in determining where vendors can

conduct their business. In Zimbabwe, since the government introduced flea markets in the 1990s

street vending has been on the increase. Chirisa (2008) postulates that flea markets such as

Mupedzanhamo and Musikawehuku were introduced by the government due to the increase in

unemployment levels. This was a measure where the government sought to support the informal

sector as a way through which people could earn a living. Initially these flea markets operated

during weekends, however the city designated more spaces due to increase in the demand for flea

markets. Chirisa (2008) propounds that to date there has been increase in illegal flea markets and

this often causes conflict between the illegal vendors and city authorities. In Harare there are

ongoing negotiations of whether to accept street vendors. The negotiations are influenced by the

fact that who will benefit from formalizing their act and if the economy will also benefit from

street vending

2.2.3 Interests and Power of Stakeholders on illegal street vending

Stakeholder is a person, group or organization that has interest or concern in an organization.

Hernando (2000) defines stakeholders as a group or individual who has an interest in what the

organization does or an expectation of the organization. Kusakabe (2006) suggests that

understanding the expectations, power and interests is critical in managing conflicts. There is

need to assess expectations, power and interests of each and every stakeholder. The stakeholders

in this case include vendors, city authorities, legal shop owners, the general public and the

government. Ndlovu (2011) notes that it is important to identify needs of stakeholders, key

17
players and those of less influence. He goes on to say that throwing the contribution of those

stakeholders is important in conflict management. Understanding the expectations of

stakeholders like city authorities and vendors is the foundation for the development and

implementation of conflict resolution strategies. This will then facilitate conflict analysis and its

consequences, leading to eventually addressing root causes of conflicts.

There are power dynamics between vendors and authorities. Njava (2014) asserts that street

vendors are faced with limited power when dealing with authorities. The authorities always have

an upper hand. The risks in conducting their business include constant raids and evictions. An

example is in the Harare CBD where the vendors are being blamed for the spread of typhoid and

are constantly being evicted by the city council from their place of business. The Newsday

reports that on the 10th of January 2017, all vendors selling foodstuffs including vegetables and

fruits were given 48 hours notice to vacate their business places. Vendors have tried to resist but

they have their wares confiscated by municipal police and the ZRP. Pushcarts from which the

vendors sell fruits and tomatoes were impounded. Kusakabe (2006) propounds that some of the

risks faced by vendors include long working hours, fluctuating incomes,confiscation of

merchandise and lack of credit facility. Authorities enforce laws pertaining to the removal of

vendors from streets so as to promote fair competition with licensed shop owners. Hence vendors

in this circumstance have little to do except complying with the laws and orders enforced.

Politics also have a role to play in conflict pertaining street vendors. Roever (2010) points out

that vending and politics of the day are united. An example is the threat by illegal vendors to the

Zanu PF in the coming elections in 2018. The Daily News of January 25 reported that the

vendors have threatened not to vote for Zanu PF as it has facilitated their removal from their

places of business. On the other hand, Sinha and Roever (2011) political parties render lip

18
service to street vending towards and during elections but they are the ones that enforce laws

against them after the elections. Political parties get into alliances with vendors to get political

mileage. Thus towards elections, vendors have power and influence which is immediately lost

when the results are announced. Therefore it can be said that political situation and vending are

two sides of the same coin.

Street vendors fight over space, customers, and prices and often sell each other out to the

authorities. Bromley and Mackie (2009) suggest that there are some street vendors who invade

space for other business colleagues. These places include major junctions, parks and other public

areas where there are high levels of human traffic hence making it lucrative for business. Also

since street vending is illegal there is no control over the prices charged by the vendors.

Kusakabe (2006) is of the idea that prices are also another source of conflict as no one can

regulate how much should be charged for specific items. Others charge high prices in order to

make huge profits whereas others might charge lower prices in order to attract many customers

therefore results in the vendors fighting amongst themselves. Within the streets there are areas

untouched with the vendors conducting business normally. This is so due to bribes that are paid

to the authorities by vendors whilst selling out their counterparts so that they have less

competition. An example is a report by the Daily News of January 25, 2017 which showcased

vendors from Mbare Musika complainingabout municipal police raiding other areas and leaving

those who paid bribes. Hernando (2002) supports the view and confirms that police often carry

out arrests, confiscate goods and even demand bribes.

19
2.2.4 Causes behind the escalating street vending in cities and towns

1) Lack of Education and Skill

Street vending is mostly dominated by uneducated and untrained personnel who cannot get

formally employed. According to Knox and Marston (2004) in Africa and Asia street vending

has been for those with limited opportunities for formal employment. CHRA (2012) and

Bhowmik (2005) all agreed that those with no skills and educational background struggle to find

descent opportunities for survival. These people are not competent in the formal sector thus they

resort to increases in illegal vending is not factual studies done in Zambia and Malawi showed

that vendors had lower level educational qualifications.

2) Rural to Urban Migration and Migration/Immigration

After the attainment of Independence in most African countries regulations were relaxed such

that the ban on the local people from living in urban areas were lifted. There has been increase in

the number of people living in urban areas therefore putting more pressure on the demand of

employment and the available job opportunities cannot cater for the large number of people

therefore they turn to illegal vending as a source of livelihood. Bhowmik (2005) propounds that

in Africa rural-urban migration has been on the increase and this has intensified street vending.

External migration, where people move from one country to another is another cause for increase

in illegal vending. Migrants who go to other countries in search of employment end up turning to

illegal street vending if they do not get employed. According to Bloslaugh (2007), in countries

such as South Africa that have experienced an increased number of immigrants from Zimbabwe,

Malawi, Mozambique and Somalia are engaging in illegal street vending. Bettcher et al. 2009 are

of the view that there is high unemployment levels among the immigrants compared to natives

20
exacerbated by discriminatory employment policies governing employment in most receiving

countries. Also lack of legal documents that can permit immigrants employment in the formal

sector of their host countries has resulted in the increase in illegal street vending.

3) Poverty and Unemployment

High unemployment and poverty have increased the number of illegal street vending worldwide

but mostly in African countries. Knox and Marston (2004) postulates that street vending is on the

increase due to increased unemployment. On the other hand, Bloslaugh (2007) propounds that,

limited absorption of the surplus labour is also one of the reasons behind increase in street

vending. Poverty within most African countries is another factor contributing to the increase in

street vending. Bettcher et al. (2009) noted that migration to cities from rural areas has also been

mainly influenced by poverty within the rural areas. People migrate to urban areas in search of

greener pastures. However, not everyone gets employed so they turn to illegal vending in order

to earn a living and remit back to the rural areas.

4) Regulations, Laws and Black Empowerment

Policies that were put in place after Independence were directed towards addressing colonial

imbalances. Matsebula (2014) postulates that the government decided to relax some of the

colonial dose by adjusting the Regulations through Statutory Instrument (SI) 216 of 1994. Such

was a move in letter and spirit, to incorporate the informal sector activities like flea markets,

stalls, shacks and home industries by special consent increased the informal sector. However,

this relaxation of the colonial dose opened floodgates of the informal sector and illegal vending

in most urban areas. Thus, efforts to empower local citizens has resulted in the fragmentation of

the street vending.

21
5) Lack of Government Support

African governments have generally been criticized of not supporting the informal economy.

Matsebula (2014) notes that rural to urban migration due to poor employment opportunities in

the rural areas have also resulted in the increase in street vending. Matsebula (2014), goes on to

say that poverty and the impact of HIV/AIDS has resulted in a high increase of women entering

the labour markets. Apart from that, lack of education, lack of training, absence of infrastructure,

retrenchments and demand for low cost goods are also factors increasing street vending.

Government efforts to formalize the informal sector as it has its own complexities. This means

that both the government and the informal sector have constraints. However, formalization can

be achieved through reducing barriers to market entry, introducing cost- effective regulations and

democratic policy process. Chirisa (2008) propounds that formalization of informal business has

enormous benefits to the economy and business owners.

6) Economic situation

Street vending is on the increase due to increased unemployment. Limited absorption of the

surplus labour is also one of the reasons behind increase in illegal street vending. Losby et al.

(2002) postulate that inflation, low wages and salaries are other factors resulting in family

members augmenting family income through vending. Therefore economic hardships have led to

the increase in number of illegal street vending.

7) Conflict Resolution Strategies in Dealing with vendors in Cities and Towns

22
Sinha and Roever (2011) suggest reopening channels of communication between traders and

councils is ideal as a resolution strategy in dealing with illegal vending. It has been noted with

concern that there is a complete breakdown of communication between traders and councils.

However, according to Kusakabe (2006), the major challenge that may hinder communication

include the proliferation of organizations representing street vendors. With reference to

Zimbabwe’s capital city there has been proliferation of organizations representing street vendors

with the major ones being Harare Residents Trust (HTR), National Vendors Union of Zimbabwe

(NAVUZ) and Harare Informal Trading Council (HITC) members. However conflict resolution

strategies may fail to be effective due to conflicts among organizations representing vendors.

Sinha and Roever (2011) are also of the idea that providing a welfare type of assistance can be a

solution to the existing challenges faced by street vendors. This can be the safest and cost

effective way of reinforcing the safety net function which is presently being fulfilled by street

trading activities. Losby et al (2002) support the idea in that some hawkers can be linked with

social welfare programmes thus they will find it not necessary to trade in streets. Apart from that,

training, funding and infrastructure can also be provided by City Council and Government.

Successful cases include the Mozambique government which opened a bank to fund informal

traders. However, this can be a challenge to most African countries especially Zimbabwe which

is hard hit by financial problems therefore cannot afford to spare funds for informal traders.

Corruption amongst the people in authority is another setback to achieving a welfare type of

assistance to the informal traders, hence it is not very easy to put in place.

According to Losby et al. (2002), there is need to establish informal trading development

programmes as it may resolve conflicts experienced by vendors and authorities. This may also

include linking traders directly to their supplies and advising traders to explore other more

23
profitable products. Sinha and Roever (2011) on the other hand suggest that infrastructure

available to vendors should also be improved, especially with regard to sale of food. With

reference to South Africa, the Gauteng Department of Health developed a set of flip charts where

they used to train street vendors on basic food hygiene. The Johannesburg Metropolitan Council

took initiatives to register food vendors in the city and allocate space on which to operate. It

provided vendors with basic facilities such as shelter, running water, toilets and in some cases

electricity. In turn the vendors had to meet minimal requirements which are set for vendors as

well as meet National Hygiene regulations.

Njaya (2014) postulates that some countries have opted to evict street vendors forcefully. Njaya

(2014) observed that despite these violent evictions and confiscations of merchandise, street

traders continued to occupy new locations and to operate outside the bounds of law. However,

remaining on the streets involved high costs of insecurity and regular evictions though the

benefits of street selling were more compelling to the street entrepreneurs. With reference to

Senegal, the police have made numerous efforts which include use of tear gas and truncheons to

disperse the rioters. Street vendors reacted through throwing stones and burned tyres. Matsebula

(2014) propounds that thousands of street vendors were evicted as President Abdoulage Wade

argued that uncontrolled vending was scaring away investors. Thus evicting vendors forcefully

can be effective to a certain extent and also face resistance from the vendors hence affecting its

effectiveness.

Most African countries were colonized by the West and when they attained Independence they

adopted most of the colonial period policies. Losby et al. (2002) noted that many African

countries do not have national policies on street commerce. Kusakabe (2006) also points out that

the majority of people in Africa derive their livelihoods on street trade because formal jobs are

24
diminishing. Whereas developed counties such as United States of America, Britain and France

have national policies on street vending. Kusakabe (2006) declares that these policies have

changed from prohibition to regulation. The City –laws in African states should accommodate

street trade or street commerce. If they are accommodated it means that conflict will have been

lessened between the traders and the city authorities.

According to Losby et al. (2002), the Judicial Approach to conflict resolution is based on the

laws of the land. Thus enforcing the laws of land will resolve conflict. However, this may result

in further conflict if applied to illegal vendors in Harare’s CBD. This is because vendors claim

that applying the by-laws will be declaring war on livelihoods of the unemployed who are

resorting to vending. However, Losby et al. (2002) propounded that on the other hand the Power

Politics approach is based on third party stakeholders assessing their power, politics and interests

into the conflicting issue. Thus stakeholders such as NGOs may have interests into the conflicts

so as to resolve the tensions. Furthermore, the Conciliatory Approach states that where the third

party encourages communication among conflicting parties it is aimed at reaching an agreement

between the parties in conflict, (Losby, 2002). The Conflict Life cycle model presents the

appropriate strategies in dealing with conflict. Potential or dormant conflicts develop power

matrix and incorporate needs/ interests. Erupting conflict with positions being developed, range,

options, depending in the conflict nature and relationships among parties. There is need of using

litigation or mediation in resolving conflicts sometimes. This is so as supported by Kusakabe

(2006) who postulates that people have different needs and expectations, therefore it is possible

conflicts will occur. Hence a proper management approach to conflict is necessary

Empirical Analysis

25
Zambia’s case- Lusaka City Council (LCC)

According to Njaya (2014), the Zambian government has made efforts to get rid of illegal street

vending to no avail. In 2014, the country hired a private consultant from consultant from South

Africa to help address the situation. The LCC made many measures to control street vending in

the city which include developing a piece of land in Chibolwa into a mega market for vendors.

The major roads in the LCC affected by illegal street vending are Lumba and Cairo roads. The

LCC had managed to benchmark its strategies in dealing with street vending with countries such

as South Africa, Botswana and Tunisia. Njaya (2014) suggest that among many African

countries, Rwanda was the only country to have successfully dealt with street vending.

Senegal’s Case- Dakar Capital City

Street vending has been difficult to control in Senegal, (Matsebula, 2014). Police have made

numerous efforts which include use of teargas and truncheons to disperse the rioters. Street

vendors reacted through throwing stones and burned tyres. The clashes emerged when the police

wanted to enforce a new government policy of vending. Demonstrators blocked main streets and

attacked cars. Over 15 people were arrested making it the most serious riot ever in Senegal for

years. During the riot, vendors and the general public made use of old tyres, plastic rubbish

containers and wooden stalls were used to light fires along Dakar’s busy Central Business

District. Matsebula (2014) goes on to say thousands of street vendors were evicted as the

President Abdoulage Wade argued that uncontrolled vending was scaring away investors.

Malawi’s case- Blantyre City Council

Matsebula (2014) postulates that the Mayor and City Council officials have for years tried to

negotiate with street vendors in removing them from undesignated places. The city authorities

26
have been reluctant to relocate them. Vendors have vowed not to leave streets until authorities

provide them with proper market places. Previously, city authorities had made many running

battles to remove street vendors by force to no avail. Matsebula (2014) asserts that the vendors

found way to get back to the streets as the designated markets were not conducive and friendly.

South Africa’s case – Johannesburg Metropolitan Council

Despite its economic size and being characterized as a second world country, South Africa is

also faced with street vending, (Njaya 2014). However, despite the concerns raised and fact that

in many countries street vending was regarded as illegal, the street vending sector in South

Africa experienced significant growth during the past few decades, due to socio-economic

changes in many countries. Njaya (2014) propounds that street vending in South Africa is the

single largest employer in the informal sector and possibly one of the major contributors to the

South African economy. Matsebula (2014) suggests that the majority of street vendors are

immigrants from neighboring countries such as Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique, Lesotho and

Swaziland. However, the major issue of concern was safety and health hazards in street vending.

On the same issue, research findings established that majority of foods sold by street vendors

were safe to eat. The Gauteng Department of Health developed a set of flip charts were used to

train street vendors on basic food hygiene. The Johannesburg Metropolitan Council provided

vendors with basic facilities such as shelter, running water, toilets and in some cases electricity.

There are minimal requirements which are set for vendors and they have to meet National

Hygiene regulations.

27
Mozambique’s case –Maputo City Council

The city of Maputo is crowded with vendors. The major vending site in Maputo is called

Xikhelene (Chirisa, 2008). This market place grew in the mid 1980s. The market place was not

built for vending, but an occupation of the urban space, outside of urban plans or regulations.

Xikhelene site was set as a state reserve, planned for some future use by the authorities and it

was never meant to host a market. Vendors at this market place pay tax to the City Council

unlike other markets in Maputo. However, there are a majority of vendors who do not comply. In

2009, most of the Xikhelene was demolished as a part of a reconstruction to give space to a new

collective transport terminal. The project was part of rehabilitation of the highway (Julius

Nyerere), which was destroyed by floods. Of the 7 000 registered vendors, two thirds lost their

space.Njaya (2014) postulates thatMozaBanco, a Mozambican bank opened a branch for

informal vendors outside of Maputo. The major aim was to implement market business units, so

as to provide financial service to allsegments of the society. This was because more than half of

Mozambique’s active population depends on the informal sector such as street vending to

vending.

Implications of the Presented Cases

The discussed cases that include Senegal, Mozambique, Malawi and Zambia have shown that

street vending and related conflicts are not only peculiar to Harare, but many if not all cities of

Africa. Matsebula (2014) insinuates that brutal measures in dealing with conflicts such as

detentions and confiscations of goods have not yielded results. It has also been established that

conflicts among stakeholders in the eviction of street vendors have been brutal. Negotiations and

28
communication have not yielded results as vendors claim that the government had failed to

improve industries resulting in the unemployment increase.

The cases discussed are closely similar to the Zimbabwean case, although Harare is unique case

evidenced by the number of vendors and economic situation. Zimbabwe has an unemployment

rate of over 85 percent and only means of survival of the unemployed is to get into the streets

(Chirisa, 2008). However, street vending should not be viewed with a negative eye, as in

countries such as South Africa it is encouraged and it contributes significantly to national

economy. Further, there is need for city authorities to train and regulate operations of street

vendors as noted by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Council. Funding also presents opportunities

for the growth and formalization of vending business. Mozambique opened a bank for vendors

which is an opportunity for vendors to grow their businesses.

2.3 Chapter Summary

This chapter presented literature review on the study on effects of uncontrolled vending as a

recipe to conflict. In line with research objectives, the study focused on literature on conflicts in

evicting illegal vendors, interests and power of stakeholders, causes of the escalating increases in

evicting illegal vendors and conflict resolution strategies to deal with illegal street

vending.Informal economic activities have intensified in Zimbabwe over the years. The increase

in the level of informal economic activities is related to capitalist restructuring and crises. This

together with poverty has increased the number of vendors operating on the streets. Street

vending has thus been used as a survival strategy to deal with economic hardships so as to earn a

living. The next chapter explores the research methodology.

29
 CHAPTER 3

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1Introduction

This chapter presents the research methodology used in the study on effects of uncontrolled

vending as a recipe to conflict using a case study of Harare’s CBD, the capital of Zimbabwe.

Babbie (2012) mentioned that research methodology is a systematic, theoretical analysis of the

methods applied to a field of study. Bernard (2012) on the other hand mentioned that research

methodology is the process used to collect data and information for the purpose of answering the

research questions. In light of this, this chapter presents the methods that were used to collect

data. The major thrust will be on the research design, research subjects, sampling, research

instruments, data collection procedure and ethical considerations.

3.2 Research Design

This study adopted the descriptive survey research methodology. The study gathered qualitative

data so as to understand the facts and opinions pertaining to the study on effects of uncontrolled

vending as a recipe to conflict using a case study of the Harare capital City. A survey was

administered to a selected sample from specific population identified. The term survey is

commonly applied to a research methodology designed to collect data from a specific population,

or sample from that population and typically utilizes research instruments such as interviews and

observation(Bernard, 2012).

30
The study on the effects of uncontrolled vending as a recipe to conflict has a wider population.

Bernard (2007), mentioned that descriptive survey research methodology enables the selection of

a sample from a wider population. Apart from that, it was not possible to consider research

designs such as action research or longitudinal studies due to time limitations, wider population

and nature of the study. The study sought a descriptive understanding on the effects of

uncontrolled vending to conflict. This research study is generally a unique area of study, thus a

descriptive understanding of the phenomenon was paramount.

This section presents the population and sampling procedures techniques used. The thrust was

identifying the population elements with information critical for the study as well as identifying

representatives of the population.

3.3 Population of the study

Babbie (2010), defined population as a precise group of people or objects that possess the

characteristics that are questioned in the study. Bernard (2012), defined population as a complete

set of elements that possess common characteristics defined by the sampling criteria established

by the researcher. The population elements of the study included the Harare Residents Trust

(HTR), National Vendors Union of Zimbabwe (NAVUZ) and Harare Informal Trading Council

(HITC) members. The study also included the Ministry of small and Medium Enterprises and

Cooperative Development (MSMECD) and the Harare City Council (HCC).The study

considered management and council members of the institutions identified.

These population elements were seen as possessing information critical for the study. This is

because vendors were represented by HRT, NAVUZ and HITC whilst authorities such as

31
MSMECD and HCC represented government and city council. Thus, the population was valid

and reliable in being representative to the key informants.

3.4 Sample and sampling procedures

The researcher made a decision on sampling after a carefully chosen population. Sanders (2010),

mentioned that sampling is a process of selecting participants from the population. Through

sampling, one may make an estimate about the actual situation prevalent in the total population

from which the sample is drawn. The study adopted the sampling method discussed below:

3.3.3 Purposive Sampling

The study adopted the total population sampling technique. Sanders (2010), Stringer (2007) and

Yin (2009), all agreed that total sampling technique is a type of purposive sampling technique

where the researcher chooses to examine the entire population that is the total population defined

that has particular set of characteristics.

The researcher saw 70 population elements as manageable to be considered in the field study.

This is because they were all located in Harare, and they expressed willingness to be part of the

study.

3.5 Research Instruments

Stringer (2007) and Yin (2009) all agreed that research instruments used by researchers to aid

assessment or evaluation of subjects. Bernard (2012), mentioned that the most common research

instruments are structured interviews and observation in collecting data.

3.5.1 Interviews

32
The researcher felt that it was important to meet face to face with respondents. The researcher

made use of structured interviews. The interviews lasted for 30 minutes, and appropriate

appointments were done. Opinions and views were generated through the use of interviews.

The use of interviews resulted in easy correction of speech. The researcher was able to rectify

any misinterpretations. This led to the sufficient and detailed information being gathered. Verbal

and non-verbal cues were observed during interview sessions and the researcher was also able to

capture emotions and behaviors.

However, interviews had their own limitations and disadvantages which were include them being

time consuming as appointments and interview sessions took long to be completed than planned.

Interviews were costly as well, transport costs and telephone expenses were incurred. Despite the

presented disadvantages, interviews provided detailed data. This enabled the researcher to

understand conflicting issues with regard to illegal vending.

3.5.2 Observations

The study also made use of non- participant observation. The study used photographs and videos

in gathering data. The major focus of attention were along 4th street, Mbuya Nehanda road,

Mbare Musika, Copa Cabana and Police Charge Office Bus Terminus. These places had many

uncontrolled vending activities. The researcher observed how the vendors conducted their

business, the types of customers that they were selling their wares to and the relationship that

existed between them and the municipal authorities. Also of concern to the researcher were the

relationships amongst the street vendors themselves and if they carried out any other activities

besides selling their wares.

33
Participant observation was direct and less biased. This led to improved accuracy and reliability

of data. The researcher removed the risk of relying with the questionnaire and interviews also it

was less demanding and allowed in-depth analysis.

Observation had its own disadvantages which were that conflicts that occurred in the past were

difficult to gather. It was not possible to study attitudes and it involved a lot of time as the

researcher waited for an event to happen. Observation complemented responses from the

interviews.

3.6 Ethical Considerations

The researcher observed the following ethical issues.

3.6.1 Informed Consent

Participants voluntarily participated with full knowledge and risks and benefits of being part of

the study. The researcher informed participants on the purpose of the study. Participants were

also allowed to decline to participate and withdraw from the research once it has started.

3.6.2 Respecting Confidentiality and Privacy

Participants were given information about how their data will be used, and what will be done

with the findings. The researcher explained that photos, audios and video recordings will be

secure. Data gathered was put under lock and key, the interview responses together with

questionnaires were shredded after data analysis.

3.6.3 Respecting Vulnerable Participants

34
The researcher safeguarded vulnerable participants. Vulnerable participants include infants and

children. Apart from these groups, the researcher was concerned about people with learning or

communication difficulties, people under the care of social services and people with the mental

illness including those with addictions to drugs and alcohol. Some of the vendors were engaging

in drugs and alcohol, and the researcher was sensitive through allowing the participants option

not to participate in the study.

3.7 Chapter Summary

This chapter presented the research methodology used in the study on effects of uncontrolled

vending as a recipe to conflict using a case study of Harare, the capital city of Zimbabwe. The

major thrust was on the research design, research subjects, sampling, research instruments, and

ethical considerations. Data was collected from interviews and observations obtained from the

respondents. The next chapter will focus on data presentation and analysis.

35
 CHAPTER 4

PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION OF RESEARCH FINDINGS

4.1 Introduction

This chapter presents and discusses the findings of the research. The responses to the research

questions that were answered are presented in different themes, which are discussed and

presented below. Data was gathered through documentary analysis, interviews and

observation.Findings are compared and contrasted with the existing literature discussed under

Chapter 2. The discussion of data was guided by the variables in the research questions.

4.2 Presentation of research findings

4.2.1 Demography of Respondents

The study managed to achieve an average of 71% response rate. This response rate was seen by

the researcher as good enough in reaching generalized conclusions. Harare City Council

management were more committed in being part of this study. However, all the study

respondents were enthusiastic about participating in this study therefore detailed information was

gathered.

The study was composed of 52% male respondents compared to 48% female respondents. This

means that there were relatively more males than females in the study. Dominance of males was

mainly noted in the management HCC, MSMECD and vendor associations. Despite the

existence of gender disparities all the categories of respondents had a good understanding of

conflict and vending issues in Harare’s CBD.

36
22% of respondents were aged over 40 years. 16% of the respondents ranged between 25 years

to 30 years whilst just 12% were aged less than 25 years. It therefore means that the majority of

the respondents were aged between 30 and 40 years. The researcher saw the age of the

respondentsas good enough to reach generalized conclusions pertaining to the study. Diversity of

respondents’age also meant possibilities of diverse opinions as it would encompass different age

groups.

4.2.2 Complying with regulations

From the interviews conducted the researcher managed to gather that most of the respondents

were of the idea that street vendors were not complying with regulations of their business

enterprises.

“Vendors do not abide to regulations such as the Urban Council by-laws on food and

Hygiene by-laws because the food they sell has never been approved of by health

inspectors nor the places at which these food-stuffs are sold,”

said one HCT representative alluding to vendors not abiding by set rules and regulations.Street

vendors are regularly found in undesignated places such as along pavements, bus stops and in

streets. The sell of second hand clothes has been banned but the Charge office bus terminal

behind the Central police has become the largest market for these illegal vendors. Vendors in

such places actually agreed that they knew they were not allowed to conduct their business but

they insisted they would continue inorder to earn a living. They also indicated that they were

prepared to face the law in case they got arrested. However some of the vendors’ representatives

argued that the vendors were justified in not complying with the regulations as they paid bribes

37
to the authorities for them to operate illegally hence they deserved to stay in those undesignated

places.

4.2.3Are vendors justified?

Majority of respondents highlighted that lack of job opportunities had resulted in unemployed

people turning to vending activities as a means to survive. From the interview it was gathered

that there are high unemployment levels in Zimbabwe as most industries shut down. One angry

representative of vendors had this to say,

‘Many people lost their jobs through retrenchments few years and they are the same

people you find on the streets vending as they have families to take care of’.

One interviewee indicated that government regulations and costs are some of the factors that

restrict labour to join the formal economy. Others blamed the indigenization policy for the

increase in number of vendors in Harare, explaining that the policy was initiated in order to

benefit the youths and most locals but however they were financially crippled to purchase shares

from any company hence end up on the streets selling different wares for income. Others

suggested that there was massive rural to urban migration of school leavers when they completed

their studies since resources are not decentralized in Zimbabwe and are only found in Harare.

Rural to urban migration mainly is due to seeking of greener pastures hence when the migrants

fail to get employed they turn to vending.

4.2.4Conflicts among Political parties

Interviewees also highlighted that illegal street vending could be a source of conflicts among

political parties. Majority of the respondents were of the view that the illegal vending issue had

38
become a battling ground for political parties. The illegal vending issue has been discussed from

the perspective of hygiene matters and not livelihoods. The opposition parties have been quick to

criticize the government for wanting to remove illegal vendors from the streets. The opposition

parties want the government to create employment opportunities for the jobless as well as

offering space and infrastructure to vendors. They are using the promises made by Zanu Pf

during the 2013 electoral campaign that it would create 2 million jobs against them and hence

winning vendors’ support. Respondents believe that the opposition parties have even taken part

in demonstrations against the government in collaboration with the vendors, and these include

ZIMPF and MDC-T. Most of the respondents are of the idea that the opposition parties feel pity

for them in their conditions and the ruling government is the source of their troubles through

high unemployment levels. Therefore vendors’ representatives see the situation as an opportunity

for political parties to get involved in conflict, verbally or physically. However one interviewee

representing authorities from Harare City Council had this to say,

“The opposition parties have obtained an opportunity to be heard and lure supporters

through the vendors issue, but this issue is not political and the other parties have not

done anything to help the situation only criticizing the ruling party”.

4.2.5Conflicts with Environmental agencies

Most of the interviewed people strongly suggested that illegal vending in the CBD had resulted

in conflicts with environmental agencies which include Environmental Management Agency

(EMA). Respondents from the HCC highlighted thatenvironmental issues such as littering,

emission of smoke and gases had become common in the Harare’s CBD because of uncontrolled

39
street vending.This is what one of the municipal officers had to say about conflicts between

vendors and environmental agencies.

“kugochachibagepakatipetown is now a common phenomena mu Harare zvinokonzeresa

air

pollutionnekuonamaheapsemashizhaezvibageavasingarasevapedzakutengesachibagechav

o,makandaemabananaanorasirwapesepesezvinokonzeresatsvinamudhorobha,”

(roasting mealies within the CBD has become common, causing air pollution and maize cobs and

banana peels contribute to litter found in the city). Furthermore respondents said that street

vending is causing problems that include overcrowding on city pavements, displaying vending in

front of licensed shops, garbage in the city centres, hazardous environment, overstretching

utilities such as water, toilets, congestion in the CBD, obstruction of enforcing law and order and

unsafe foodstuffs. However the vendors’ representatives defended the vendors and suggested that

the city council was reluctant to collecting rubbish from the streets therefore it was not the

vendors’ fault that the streets were dirty.

4.2.6Conflicts between illegal vendors and formal businesses

On the other hand, the research revealed that conflicts between illegal vendors and formal

businesses paying taxes and rentals would arise. Vendors suggested that all the problems they

face with authorities are caused by owners of formal businesses who sell them out or pay bribes

to the authorities so that they are removed from the streets. Respondents representing vendors

also suggested that since vendors sold goods that at times formal business owners do not have

and charge cheaper prices than the formal shops they then had a reason to want to get rid of

them. On the other hand, the shop owners had this to say,

40
 “it is not a fair situation at all that we pay taxes and rentals yet at the same time we find

illegal vendors destructing our customers from buying and selling the same goods we sell

hence it is only reasonable for us to call the police or the municipal officers to arrest

them so that we can carry out our businesses in harmony.”

4.2.7Is vending sustainable to household income

The research managed to find out that most of the street vendors are breadwinners. It therefore

means that street vending is sustainable to the household income. Most vendors indicated that

they send their children to school, pay rentals, pay for hospital bills and at the same time manage

to look after their extended families through income from vending. Hence from the vendors’

perspective they are just like formally employed people who earn monthly salaries and in some

instances others thought they were actually better than formally employed people because they

get income on a daily basis. However the authorities suggested that vendors are there on the

streets only because they have nowhere else to go and their income cannot be compared to those

who are formally employed.

4.2.8Is relocating vendors viable?

Both the authorities and the vendors indicated that moving vendors to proper structures would

not go down well with the vendors. The vendors argued that the places to which the Harare City

Council allocate for them to conduct their business were far away from the city centre where

most of their customers are found. Vendors also highlighted that as long as they were allocated

formal selling points then they were subject to high taxation by authorities and it would become

mandatory for them to pay as they would risk losing their selling points however this on the

other hand would reduce their profits. On the other hand, the authorities were of the idea that

41
street vendors do not comply if they are offered out of town places to conduct their business as

they always come back to the streets where they are not allowed.

4.2.9Is vending harboring criminal activities?

Majority of the respondents suggested that illegal street vending has become a harbor for

criminal activities and prostitution. Some of the vendors sell illegal substances where they hide

them from the public and are only known by their customers.From the research vendors

indicated that some thieves hide behind vendors and cause a distraction amongst the prospective

buyers so that they steal cash or goods from the unsuspecting buyers. Some women vendors sell

sex to customers as a means to earn extra income for survival. Others indicated that prostitution

occurs in circumstances where female vendors become sexually involved with the authorities in

exchange of protection.

“There is nothing that the female vendors can do if authorities request sexual favours

from them other than to comply so that they safeguard their positions and wares.”

Thiswas saidby one member of vendorsassociationswho feltthatvendors became prostitutes in

order to survive in their trade.

4.2.9.1Conflicts between illegal vendors and government law enforcement agencies.

When asked respondents suggested that illegal vending was resulting in conflicts between the

government law enforcement agencies and the vendors. Law enforcement agencies suggested

that vendors were becoming a menace to the CBD hence they constantly removed them from the

streets so as to keep the streets clean and restore order. They suggested that if they do not

intervene then no one would recognize the city centre as the vendors are trying to overtake all

42
corners and own them. Whereas,vendors actually promised that they will fight back the

authorities whenever they try to remove them from streets as this fight was for livelihoods and

survival. It was established during the research that, the government has made numerous clean-

up campaigns which included the 2005 Murambatsvina Clean-up Campaign which saw

thousands of urbanites’ illegal houses destroyed. Despite measures taken during the

Murambatsvina Clean-up Campaign informal sector in Zimbabwe has worn a new face as the

actors have designed new adaptive strategies to counteract restrictions, evictions and by-laws

imposed on them. It was revealed by some of the respondents that street vendors have turned to

selling their wares during the night so as to avoid law enforcement agencies. Street vendors have

vowed that it will be declaring war on livelihoods if the army, police and city council among

other law enforcement agencies are involved in the eviction to fight vendors.

4.2.9.2Will communication help the situation?

Some of the respondents both the HCC and Vendors representatives think that communication

and dialogue among concerned stakeholders would make it possible to meet the interests of all

stakeholders concerned. They suggested that with political will and compromise the interest of

the city authorities and those of the informal traders can be reconciled.

“as long as both parties are willing to meet and discuss their interests within the

vendors’ issues then agreements can be reached and conflict will be avoided”,

suggested one of the representatives of the vendors.

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4.2.9.3Interests and power of stakeholders

When the researcher asked about the interests and power the stakeholders possessed the

following was obtained. According to the vendors, they have much interest in vending, however

they have limited influence in the evictions and harassments done towards them and on the way

their trade should be conducted,

“The City Council and the Zimbabwe Republic police officers determine on

which day we can carry out our business and on which ones we cannot. There are

times when they raid us early in the morning and we spend the whole day locked

away only to be released at night and by then we won’t be able to resume selling

but just go home. In other instances we are made to pay fines so that we can be

released”.

Though the vendors always find their way back to the streets they are always in fear of being

evicted by authorities. Most ofthe respondents mentioned that HCC had high interests and high

power in the illegal vending activities being evident in Harare’s CBD. The HCC said that they

have power and interest in the management of vending in the CBD. This was mainly because

they wanted to restore the illegal vendors. Few of the respondents argued that the vendors also

had power in their fate as they always found their way back to the streets and continue their

business,

“tinongorambatichidzokachetemumastreetscherovakatidzingahatinakumw

ekwatinowanamarivachatibvumirahavonerimwezuva.”

(We will always come back to the streets even if they chase us away because this is where we

earn our income, one of these days vending shall be allowed.)

44
4.2.9.4Vendors’ interests and power

Vendor support groups said they have limited power but very high interests in vending issues.

They gave the example of Stanley Zvorwadza who was hospitalized after getting beaten by the

repressive state apparatus for demonstrating against vendors’ removal from the streets. They

alleged that, Zvorwadza also faced several arrests for organizing demonstrations for vendors in

the year 2016. Vendors support groups revealed that they had no influence in policies

implemented towards street vendors.

“Vendors support groups have limited power especially referring to the Murambatsvina

Cleanup campaign which saw thousands of peoples’ illegal houses demolished and left at

least 700 00 people homeless and without a source of livelihood”.

The risks in conducting their business include constant raids and evictions. One of the interview

respondents mentioned that,

“vendors are powerless and in most instances their merchandise is confiscated by police,

this is their source oflivelihood and they are prepared to die for it.”

Few respondents thought that the vendor support groups had high interests and high power since

they were able to organize demonstrations against the law enforcers. However the HCC had this

to say,

“This is a very difficult group of people to deal with, they always resort to violence when

they want to put across their interests and views but systems do not operate that way

therefore we use force in order for us to be able to control them.”

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4.2.9.5Why vendors always return to the streets

The researcher observed that illegal vending has become a source of livelihoods to many people.

The researcher noted that unavailability of goods in formal shops, higher prices charged by

formal shops and lack of car parking areas have intensified the need of consumers to seek

convenience in buying from vendors. In Harare goods are cheaper at the informal market as the

vendors do not pay rent or taxes to revenue authorities hence they have more customers than

formal shops. Harare has witnessed a huge increase in the number of street vendors at night

(nocturnisation) selling their wares and trying to avoid authorities during the day. Thus the

present situation is a recipe for conflict evidenced by conflicting objectives of stakeholders with

regard to vending in Harare’s CBD.

4.2.9.6 Causes of the increases in illegal vending

 Lack of Education and Skill

When respondents were asked if lack of education and skills caused the increases in

illegal vending both sides the vendors and the authorities pointed out that it was the least

on the list of causes. Some of the vendors confessed that they were degree holders and

others had different set of professional qualifications but still were found on the streets

selling their wares. Respondents outlined that Zimbabwe has the highest literacy

percentage in the Southern African region thus ruling out the fact that vending was meant

for the unlearned or illiterate. Only a few and amongst the elderly within the vending

circles said that they had not attained any educational qualifications. Lack of education

46
and skills was viewed as a minor factor leading to increase in illegal vending by

respondents.

 Rural to Urban Migration and Migration/Immigration

All the respondents were of the view that rural to urban migration was leading to

increased illegal vending activities. The researcher found out that migrants from the rural

areas go to cities and towns in search of work and in Zimbabwe they mostly go to Harare

in search of greener pastures but due to high unemployment levels they turn to illegal

vending for survival purposes.

 Poverty and Unemployment

All respondents suggested that poverty and unemployment had resulted in increase in

illegal vending in cities and towns. One respondent said,

“there is no option, companies are closing down and people need to make a living

therefore vending is the only vacant position available for anyone interested”.

Some respondents suggested that absolute poverty in the rural areas and in the cities was

at the highest level and people were simply trying to get themselves out of this poverty

therefore they turn to vending.

 Regulations, Laws and Black Empowerment

During the research it was established that policies that were implemented after

Independence were directed towards addressing colonial imbalances. One of the

respondents commented,

47
 “The government wanted to empower the black majority financially but at

the same time opening flood gates of the informal sector and vending in

most urban areas. After independence, flea markets, stalls, home

industrieswere seen within the CBD as a means of earninglivelihood.”

Hence respondents said that the efforts to empower local citizens has resulted in the

fragmentation of the street vending.

 Lack of government support

Some respondents noted that there were limited efforts by the Zimbabwean government

in support of the informal sector. They were left on their own without even financial

assistance or upgrading of the places that they use for business. Government was said to

be more concerned about the formal sector and offered help that side only as one

respondent said,

“the government is busy with the formal sector and does not appreciate

the work being done within the informal sector and it is difficult to even

grow our businesses hence we remain illegal traders.”

However, some respondents noted that the Government had established the ministry of

Small and Medium Enterprises whose main thrust was to see the success of informal and

small businesses therefore it was not lack of government support that led to increases in

vendors within the CBD.

 Economic Situation

48
 All the respondents strongly agreed that the current economic situation has resulted in

increased illegal vending in cities and towns. Street vending was on the increase due to

high unemployment levels. Limited absorption of the surplus labour was also one of the

reasons behind increase in street vending. Inflation, low wages and low salaries are other

factors the respondents alluded to as causing family members augmenting family income

through illegal vending.

4.2.9.7 Conflict Resolution Strategies in dealing with illegal vending in Harare’s CBD

 Reopening channels of communication between traders and authorities.

Study respondents saw it viable to reopen channels of communication between traders and

authorities, they viewed it as a major strategy in conflict resolution of issues to do with illegal

vending. Respondents suggested that finding possible ways of engaging illegal vendors was a

good way of resolving conflicts.It was revealed that there is a complete breakdown of

communication between traders and councils as there is not a single event where vendors

representatives are called to meet with the authorities on issues concerning street trade. However,

the major challenge that may hinder communications include the proliferation of organizations

representing street vendors as the following statement outlines a respondent’s thoughts.

“With reference to Zimbabwe’s capital city, there has been proliferation of

organizations representing street vendors with the major one being Harare Residents

Trust (HRT), National Vendors Union of Zimbabwe (NAVUZ) and Harare

InformalTrading Council (HITC) members”.

Respondents are also of the idea that conflict resolution strategies fail due to conflicts among

organizations representing street vendors.

49
  Providing a welfare type of assistance

Respondents suggested that this could be the safest and cost effective way of reinforcing the

safety net function which is presently being fulfilled by street trading activities. Apart from that

respondents suggested that training, funding and infrastructure can also be provided by city

council and government so that the vendors would find reliable places from where they can carry

out their businesses. Some respondents agreed that funding would be a good idea for them to

have a better future but were worried that corrupt officials would benefit instead of the intended

people.

 Establishing informal Trading development programmes

The research established that the programmes would include linking traders directly to their

suppliers and advising traders to explore other more profitable products. It was suggested that

infrastructure available to vendors should also be improved, especially with regard to the sell of

food. This they thought would avoid them from being evicted and being accused of causing

outbreaks like cholera and typhoid and in the long run avoid conflict.

 Evicting street vendors forcefully and enforcing the laws of land

The researcher managed to gather that forcefully evicting street vendors would be a solution

to conflict. However, despite these violent evictions some respondents still feel the vendors

will find other new locations to occupy and to operate outside the bounds of the law. In

Harare respondents pointed out that whenever they are evicted they still come back when

they feel that the municipal officers are nolonger there. One of the respondents outlined that,

50
 “Police have used teargas, confiscated the traders’ wares but they have not been very

successful in their ambitions”.

 National policies on street commerce

Respondents are of the view that if national policies on street commerce are established in

Zimbabwe then conflicts will be minimized because there will be guidelines on how they operate

and the authorities will not find reason to confiscate their wares or evict them. Also respondents

suggest that these policies would protect vendors from authorities who are always seeking bribes

for them to trade in undesignated places. However some also thought that even if the policies are

implemented vendors can still go back to the places they will not be allowed to trade and cause

conflict.

 Crisis diplomacy

All the study respondents agreed that the country of Zimbabwe was in crisis requiring crisis

diplomacy to solve illegal vending crisis. Majority of illegal vendors were relying on vending for

livelihoods. Therefore respondents saw it fit for the government and concerned stakeholders to

understand the crisis and resolve it accordingly.

 Peace enforcement, Routine diplomacy and Peace keeping

Enforcing laws of the land is supported by respondents as it would deal with illegal vending

activities and at the same time maintain peace. Thus enforcing the laws will resolve conflict.

However, this may result in further conflict if applied to illegal vendors in Harare’s CBD. This is

because during the research vendors claimed that applying by-laws will be declaring war on

51
livelihoods of the unemployed who are resorting to vending hence they would retaliate to the

laws that would have been set.

 Understanding the needs of stakeholders

Most respondents are of the idea that all interested parties within the crisis of illegal vending

have different needs and for conflict to be erased completely there should be consensus amongst

the stakeholders then conflict can be overcome. However some outlined that it is very difficult to

even have all the stakeholders in one place let alone make them agree to the same resolutions

pertaining illegal vending therefore it is very difficult to suit all the stakeholders’’ needs and

interests.

4.3 Discussion of Research Findings

Street vending has become the order of the day in the streets of Harare. The need to provide for

the family in the midst of harsh economic times has led most of the unemployed people to

embark on street vending. Streets vending irrespective of who engages in it is associated with

major problems. It remains a major challenge in Harare’s CBD. Vendors are mainly found in

pavements and along streets were they conduct their business illegally. There is evident

overcrowding within the CBD with vendors and their customers overtaking most events in the

city. Vendors are found at Fourth street, Mbuya Nehanda Street, Charge Office bus terminus and

Copacabana selling various items.

4.3.1 Conflicts that exist

According to Dahrendorf, power and authority levels of groups in a society are differentiated.

Research findings highlighted that the street vendors are not involved in decision making matters

52
that concern their operations at all, since they do not have any representation in the city council

and the government, they thus lack authoritative resources. According to Njaya (2014), it was

established that the vendor support groups could not significantly influence by-laws or policies

pertaining to street vending. Therefore street vendors are faced with limited power in dealing

with authorities. The city fathers who includes the town mayor, town clerk and other high

officials influence decision making pertaining to the running of the city. Their decisions are

solely based on their interests and not the interests of the vendors. Street vendors have

organizations that represent them but from the research it seems that they do not stand a chance

to voice their concerns only the authorities make all decisions. Vendor support groups as

representatives of subordinate (less powerful) groups advocate for a liberalized vendors market

that is free from repressive state apparatus. But however this cannot be granted to them as the

interests of those in power differ from theirs. Municipal officers benefit from bribery and looting

the vendors merchandise so they are reluctant on relocating them to friendly and conducive

market areas as they will also lose extra income. It therefore means the vendors will continue

suffering and the authorities making a living out of their misery.

Dahrendorf acknowledges that every human relationship(s) is or are conflictual. The researcher

found out that there existed different types of conflict within the vending system. The vendors

fight amongst themselves for space, customers, prices and they tend to sell each other out to the

authorities. Bromley and Mackie (2009), suggest that there are some street vendors who invade

space for other business colleagues. These places include major junctions, parks and other public

areas where there are high levels of moving people hence making it lucrative for business. Sinha

and Roever (2011), contend that space was the main contention among street vendors.The

53
environmental agencies are also always on the vendors’ case as they are said to be the cause of

the littering within the CBD. The health sector has also accused vendors of causing cholera and

typhoid outbreaks since some of them sell food and no one knows its safety status for

consumption. Street vendors have become an obstruction for licensed shops since they sell goods

at a much cheaper price than in formal shops. The shop owners often engage the police and

municipal officers to harass and evict the street vendors so they continue peacefully in their

business endeavors. Matsebula (2014), supports the view and suggests that uncontrolled vending

in Harare’s CBD was seen as scaring away investors and crippling existing formal businesses.

Kusakabe (2006), propounded that authorities enforce laws to remove vendors from the streets so

as to promote fair competition with licensed shops. The government and law enforcement

agencies are also coming hard on the vendors and on the other hand they always find their way

back to the streets no matter the circumstances. This scenario is also similar to countries such as

Senegal, Malawi and Mozambique. According to Matsebula (2014), street vending has been

difficult to control in Senegal. Police made numerous efforts which include use of teargas and

truncheons to disperse the vendors but were not successful. In Harare vendors refused to be

relocated along Seke road stating that the area was not conducive for business. In Maputo, the

majority of vendors do not comply in paying taxes a situation also experienced in Zimbabwe,

(Matsebula, 2014).

4.3.2 Power and interests of stakeholders

The research findings clearly confirm that the Harare City Council and government law

enforcers decide on the best way they see fit of utilizing the land. The street vendors despite

being the main users of it, do not decide on the area to be demarcated for a market of their

products, and if they are caught operating in undesignated points they face arrest and

54
merchandise confiscations as highlighted in the research findings. This set up is not easily

welcomed by vendors, since the heart of the city is the best market for their business, as a large

number of people spend most of their time there. As a result the vendors break the law as they

flock into the CBD on a daily basis. According to Matsebula (2014), Harare was once called a

‘Sunshine City’ meeting international standards in terms of order and being a clean city.

However standards have deteriorated and the vending anarchy is threatening to turn the national

financial system into pavement economy. Hence the authorities are obliged to remove the

vendors from the streets.

4.3.3 What role is played by political parties?

Political parties have also found the vending issue as a battling ground where they can carry out

their feuds. Opposition parties blame the government for high unemployment levels resulting in

the increase in illegal vendors, and state that the same government then leashes out its repressive

state apparatus on people trying to make a living. On the other hand the ruling party creates

markets such as Mupedzanhamo and flea markets during the weekends within the city centre so

as to paint a good picture to the desperate vendors and so that they will be able to control them.

These however are not permanent but the vendors have no choice but to trade there. The ruling

party also accuses opposition parties for influencing vendors to demonstrate against them and the

war is endless.

Marxist conflict theory suggests that there are two classes in society, the ruling class and the

proletariats. The ruling class is the dominant class which oppresses the proletariat. Ideology and

the way of life is influenced by the ruling class whilst the proletariats follow behind. From the

research findings Marx’s conflict theory is applicable as there are power struggles and

55
inequalities within the studied society. The conflict is signified by the fighting between vendors

and the authorities with the vendors trying to stay in their places of trade whereas the authorities

want to remove them. Njaya (2014), postulates that dominant power is possessed by authorities

and those people who own the means of production and life. Those in power always want to be

in control and expect total compliance. The Marxist theory highlights that authorities such as the

Harare City Council and the government of Zimbabwe imposes regulations and coercively

enforce compliance.According to Dahrendorf, the supeordinate class has higher levels of power

and authority than the subordinate group. In this case, the city fathers or authorities are the

superordinate group that has control of the city, streets included. Vendors are expected to operate

according to the superordinate dictates. The introduction of surveillance systems by the Harare

city council through the police in a bid to produce compliance is a reflection of the control of the

city fathers.

4.3.4Challenges faced by vendors and their solutions

As indicated in the research findings, HCC and the police play a major role in the challenges that

vendors face in the street. Despite unpredictable weather patterns affecting the efficient

operations of vendors, they also have to deal with daily harassments, bribery demands which

affect their income and destroying their stalls, which results in numerous losses in business and

as if that is not enough if they do not comply to the demands of the officers, they face arrests and

are forced to pay a fixed fine and that is where their support and backing one another is visible.

The vendors bail each other out and borrow money from others to start all over again once they

are faced with the mentioned situation. On the other hand, most vendors become compliant to the

demands of the officers to safeguard their threatened business. They also comply with spot fines

to make sure that they do not get disturbances prolonged which may affect their sales.

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4.3.5Do Vendors contribute to the national economy?

Vendors are a part of a survival economy and they will do whatever it takes to earn a living.

Social structures exert a definite pressure upon certain people in the society to engage in

nonconformist rather than conformist conduct. Unemployment and poverty are the leading

causes of street vending. It therefore means that most people engaging in street vending are in

desperate conditions such that come what may, they will always be found on the streets. The

formal sector has shrunk as industries are shutting down and the economy on the other side of

the coin is not conducive thus they turn to vending in order to earn a living. Majority of vendors

put up with violent merchandise confiscations, harassments, bribery, poor working conditions,

lack of space and dealing with corrupt officials, but that does not stop them from vending, infact

it fuels their determination to expand their businesses. Vending has thus become a growth

oriented strategy for vendors in the street.

4.3.6How Vendors survive in the streets

It has been revealed by the research findings that most vendors are highly rejectionists and do not

allow themselves to be bullied by the law enforcers without fighting back. Many have become so

radical and so critical of the police violence towards them. In many cases that were reported

vendors fought back the police and they often engage in fist fights, resisting arrests totally. They

often fight back with throwing stones at the police. According to Matsebula (2014), vendors’

strategies to fight authorities include nocturnal vending and fighting fire with fire (fighting back).

They compete for customers by strategically locating themselves in streets where there is a high

volume of people, that is, streets which are near bus stations and in the CBD, so that they easily

57
capture customers. Thus the study has revealed that vendors have found a niche in the economy

by considering selling in the streets as a better option, where there are no formal application

procedures and saves them from incurring unaffordable costs for setting up legal, formal trading

structures.

4.3.7Causes of increase in street vending

Poverty and unemployment have been found to be the major causes of escalating increases in

street vending. Knox (2004), agreed to this mentioning that street vending is on the increase due

to increased unemployment. Blouslaugh (2007), on the other hand insinuates that limited

absorption of the surplus labour is also one of the reasons behind the increase in street vending.

Government regulations and costs are some of the factors that restrict labour to join the formal

economy. Bettcher et al. (2009), also say that migration to cities from rural areas has been

mainly influenced by poverty within the rural areas. Rural to urban migration mainly is due to

the migrants seeking greener pastures hence when they fail to get employed they turn to vending.

From the research it was established that in Zimbabwe, lack of education and skills were not

causes of increased street vending. This is contrary to studies by Knox (2004), which stated that

in Africa and Asia street vending has been for those with limited opportunities for formal

employment. CHRA (2012), and Bhowmik (2005), all agreed that those with educational

background and those with no skills struggle to find descent employment opportunities for

survival. These people are not competent in the formal employment thus they resort to vending,

(Njaya, 2014). However due to the high literacy rate in Zimbabwe, this cause behind escalating

increases in illegal vending is not factually true. Studies done amongst vendors in Zambia and

Malawi showed that vendors had lower level educational qualifications, (Chirisa, 2008).

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4.3.8Conflict Resolution strategies

Conflict resolution strategies can only be successful if there is commitment and consensus

amongst all stakeholders concerned in street vending. Channels of communication between

traders and authorities are important so that their interests and needs can be addressed. The

government and city council officials are urged to provide a welfare type of assistance so that

they desist from engaging in illegal vending. On the same issue Losby et al. (2002) suggest that

some hawkers can be linked with social welfare programmes hence finding it not necessary to

trade in the streets. African countries do not have policies on street commerce hence there is

commotion within the streets since they do not know their rights so that street trade is

accommodated as most people depend on it. Kusakabe (2006) asserts that majority of people in

Africa derive livelihoods on street trade because formal jobs are diminishing. Stakeholders need

to understanding each other’s needs and wants so as to ensure smooth flow of business.

4.4 Chapter summary

Uncontrolled vending has become a recipe for conflict among political parties, environmental

agencies, vendors themselves and other stakeholders. Vendors embark on the trade in order to

earn a living and not for investment purposes. There are endless conflicts within the streets but

the vendors vow never to leave their places of business due to high unemployment levels and

poverty. It is also established that the city authorities benefit from vending activities hence they

seem reluctant to remove them permanently from the streets.

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 CHAPTER 5

5.0 SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Introduction

This Chapter presents summary, conclusions and recommendations. Summary narrates how and

why the study was conducted including the summarized major findings. Conclusions section is

underpinned on major findings as directly related to objectives. Recommendations provide

possible strategies that can be used to resolve potential or existing conflicts between illegal

vendors and other stakeholders.

5.2 Summary

The study focused on the effects of uncontrolled vending as a recipe to conflict using a case

study of Harare’s CBD. Uncontrolled vending activities in Harare’s CBD have resulted in

tensions amongst authorities, vendors and consumers. Street vendors have vowed that they will

be declaring war on livelihoods if army, police and city council among other law enforcement

agencies are involved in the eviction to fight vendors. Law enforcement agencies and the city

fathers want to restore law and order in the city to meet emerging trends in most cities.

Unavailability of goods in formal shops and lack of car parking areas have intensified the need of

consumers to seek convenience in buying from vendors. This study therefore sought to assess the

effects of uncontrolled vending to conflict using a case study of Harare’s CBD. The major thrust

was on existing or potential conflicts in evicting illegal vendors, interests and power of

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stakeholders, causes of the escalating increases in illegal vending within the CBD and conflict

resolution strategies that should be put in place to deal with illegal vending in Harare’s CBD.

The study explored literature related to the research questions. The study focused on literature

pertaining to conflicts in evicting illegal vendors. The study took into consideration on who had

more power and interests in the way in which the town was being run. The study also endured on

whether the causes of the increase in vending were factual and also if the conflict resolution

strategies to deal with illegal vending were worthy to be implemented. The study also sought to

find out why vendors even though faced by tough conditions in the streets continued to conduct

their businesses there.

The study adopted a descriptive survey research methodology. The study gathered qualitative

data so as to understand the facts and opinions pertaining to the study on effects of uncontrolled

vending as a recipe to conflict within the CBD. A study was administered to a selected sample

from a specific population identified. The study considered 70 population elements which

include HTR, NAVUZ and HITC members. The study also included MSMECD and the HCC.

The study made use of interviews and observation in collecting data. The researcher felt it

necessary to meet face to face with respondents so as to get their various views pertaining

different issues raised during the research. Structured interviews and non-participant observation

were used to collect all the data that was gathered during the research.

The study observed that majority of the vendors were not complying with regulations. Failure of

vendors to comply had resulted in conflicts between authorities and vendors which are never

ending. Street vendors aiming to make a living whilst authorities want to maintain order within

the CBD. Conflicts among political parties, vendors clashing environmental agencies over their

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conduct of business, formal business owners fight for customers with the illegal vendors,

government, law enforcement agencies, vendors amongst themselves and vendors associations

are always fighting over trade within the streets.

It was observed that vendors have limited power but high interests in addressing their situation as

law enforcement agencies were continuously raiding them and demanding bribes from them as

well. HCC has high power and interests in the management of vending in the CBD. They

determine where and how the vendors should conduct their trade. Government and law

enforcement agencies also possessed high interests and high power in the management of

vending in the CBD. Escalating increases in illegal vending are caused by lack of education,

rural to urban migration, poverty, unemployment, lack of government support and the prevailing

economic situation.

5.3 Conclusions

The study concludes that illegal street vending had resulted in conflicts among parties,

environmental agencies, formal business owners, law enforcement agencies, vendors and vendor

associations. These conflicts emanate from the differing of interests in informal vending.

The study also concluded that there were many stakeholders with interest and power. Vendors

were powerless in determining their fate in their conduct of business. However the HCC

determined how the vendors were supposed to conduct their trade since they possess more power

and interests in the management of vending in the CBD. Their high interests were mainly

because of the benefits such as bribes that they would obtain from illegal vendors. Government

and law enforcement agencies were seen as having high interests and high power in vending

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issues. It was further revealed that by-laws stipulate that hawking should only be done by those

with licenses and the vendors simply have to comply as they cannot contest.

Causes of escalating illegal vending in Harare’s CBD were found to be lack of education, rural to

urban migration, poverty, unemployment, lack of government support and the economic

situation. However, in Zimbabwe due to the high literacy rate lack of education is not a factual

cause of the increase in vending but in surrounding African countries. Illegal vending was seen

as escalating in the country, congruent to the escalating economic meltdown.

Vendors lack a voice with political influence and power to represent and or include them in

policy circles, as by-laws and regulations continue to exclude street vendors from participating in

the formal economic activity of the country. Street vending is very difficult to regulate, because

of its mobile nature as street vendors may move depending on events in a city for example

weather conditions, customers location and the time of the day.

5.4 Recommendations

5.4.1 Recommendations to Government, Law Enforcement agencies and HCC

 There was need for reopening channels of communication between traders and

authorities. Government, law enforcement agencies and HCC should find a way of

reopening channels of communication between traders and authorities. This would

include taking into consideration the differing interests of stakeholders.

 It was also found necessary for the government, law enforcement agencies and HCC to

provide training, funding and facilities for vending. Training, funding and infrastructure

can also be provided by City Council and Government. Successful cases include the

Mozambican government which opened a bank to fund informal traders. The

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 government and HCC should establish more markets for vendors. This will enable them

to have more selling points. However, these designated points should also be strategically

located to attract customers.

 There was need for government, law enforcement agencies and HCC to establish vending

markets and linkages. Establishing informal trading development programmes may

resolve conflicts experienced by vendors and authorities. This may include linking traders

directly to their suppliers and advising traders to explore other more profitable products.

Infrastructure available to vendors should also be improved, especially with regard to the

sale of food. Toilets facility is another challenge for all vendors that they end up using the

sidewalks as toilets and their places of trade is nolonger welcoming. With reference to

South Africa, Gauteng Department of Health developed a set of flip charts which were

used to train street vendors on the basic food hygiene. The Johannesburg Metropolitan

Council took initiatives to register street food vendors in the city and allocated space to

them. They also provided vendors with basic facilities such as shelter, running water,

toilets and in some instances electricity. Research findings bring out that if the same was

implemented by the HCC for the street vendors it would reduce the occurrence of conflict

amongst different stakeholders.

 The country of Zimbabwe has to establish national policies on street commerce. Majority

of urbanites derive their livelihood on street trade because formal jobs are diminishing.

Developed countries such as United States of America, Britain and France have national

policies on street vending. These policies have changed from prohibition to regulation.

The City laws should thus accommodate street trade or street commerce. The current

laws were inherited from colonial masters who did not consider street commerce in their

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 urban planning land therefore from the research respondents advocated for the change of

these laws.

5.4.2 Recommendations to Vendors

 Vendors were encouraged to establish communication lines with authorities. This is due

to increased proliferation of organizations representing street vendors. Conflict resolution

strategies may also fail to be effective due to conflicts among organizations representing

street vendors and the street vendors themselves. Hence vendor supporting organizations

need tospeak with one voice so as to fully represent the needs and interests of the

vendors. Vendors were advised to abide by laws of the country. This is important so that

peace between them and the authorities is maintained and their businesses are not

affected.

5.5 Chapter Summary

Through the research it was established that illegal vending is on the increase in most African

countries. However illegal street vending has become a source of conflict for many different

stakeholders within the vending due to difference in interests. Conflict resolution strategies can

only be effective if they address both the authorities and vendors interests. Both the vendors and

authorities are encouraged to tolerate each other for the smooth flow of business and to

eventually conquer conflict.

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CHRA, (2012),CHRA Response to City Of Harare 2011 Budget Proposals. Harare: s.n.

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 APPENDIX

Interview Guide

The purpose of this interview is only academic and will not be used for any other purposes. Each

respondent is assured that any response provided will not be publicized. All the information will

be treated anonymously and confidentially so that it cannot be traced back to the respondents.

1. In your opinion what are the potential or existing conflicts in evicting illegal street

vendors in Harare’s CBD.

2. From your perspective elaborate on the interests and power of stakeholders in illegal

street vending in Harare’s CBD.

3. From your observations, what could be the main causes of the escalating increases in

illegal street vending in Harare’s CBD?

4. Considering the surrounding circumstances, what measures can the city authorities put in

place that favour both the vendors and the authorities?

5. Why do vendors keep coming back to the streets considering the regular arrests and

harassment by city authorities?

6. To what extent is vending sustainable to the household income?

7. Why are the city authorities not ensuring provision of more structures for vendors within

the CBD of Harare?

8. Is street vending a harbor for criminal activities and prostitution?

9. What kind of goods are sold within the streets?

10. Would vendors appreciate it if they were allocated new and proper vending places by city

authorities?

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