Bulawayo Vendors Urged to Obtain Licenses to Combat Crippling Police Bribery
Bulawayo Vendors and Traders Association (BVTA) Executive Director, Michael Ndiweni has urged vendors to acquire licenses in a bid to address the reportedly persistent issue of bribery faced by them on a daily basis in Bulawayo.
Furthermore, Ndiweni has emphasized the importance of licenses as a means to avoid bribery by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and to protect the livelihoods of vendors. Recent reports have highlighted the prevalence of daily bribes ranging from $5 to $30, which have been crippling small businesses in the city.
According to Ndiweni, vendors who do not have licenses are vulnerable to harassment and exploitation by the police, who often demand bribes. “Some vendors frown upon licenses, even if you encourage them to do it. So, they then cry foul again when they are at the mercy of police,” he said.
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Vendor Licensing
The issue is compounded by the vendors themselves. Many vendors, due to a combination of ignorance and scepticism, resist obtaining the necessary licenses. While some may view licenses as unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles, it is crucial to emphasize their importance in ensuring safe and organized trading spaces. By avoiding licenses, vendors unintentionally expose themselves to greater risks and become susceptible to bribery demands from both the police force and the municipal authorities.
There are several different types of licenses that informal traders can obtain in Zimbabwe. These include licenses for food vending, liquor sales, flea markets, and other types of trading activities. Some licenses require vendors to have a trading space, while others can be obtained without a fixed location.
To combat this issue, BVTA is actively encouraging vendors to acquire the necessary licenses to legitimize their businesses and operate within the legal framework. Ndiweni stressed that licenses not only provide legal protection but also empower vendors to resist unwarranted demands for bribes. “By obtaining licenses, vendors gain the confidence to assert their rights and resist corrupt practices. It is a crucial step towards establishing a fair and transparent business environment,” he explained.
Challenges Faced by Vendors
The BVTA has taken proactive measures to engage with the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) and other stakeholders to address the challenges faced by vendors. Ndiweni explained that one of the key initiatives undertaken by BVTA is that they had engaged with the local council to create new trading spaces in high-density areas, where vendors can operate without the need for licenses and without fear of harassment.
“We have engaged the council to create new trading spaces in high-density areas because the CBD [central business district] is congested, and vendors are apprehensive in trading in designated areas,” he said.
Ndiweni highlighted the importance of these designated trading areas, stating that creation of new trading spaces aims to decongest the central business district (CBD) and provide alternative locations for vendors to conduct their businesses. He also stated that providing accessible and designated spaces for vendors can enhance their safety, protect their rights, and reduce the opportunities for bribery and harassment.
According to reports from concerned vendors, the issue of bribery involves both the ZRP and the BCC. The corrupt practices have inflicted severe financial strain on the vendor community, discouraging growth and investment in the local economy.
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Bribery Impacts
Moreover, Nomsa, a local vendor, recounted her cousin’s experience, stating, “She was taken to Drill Hall and coerced into paying $30 without receiving a receipt. It is disheartening to witness how bribery impacts our businesses and undermines our efforts to earn a decent living.”
Nomsa acknowledged that it is difficult for vendors to avoid bribery because of the high standard of living in Zimbabwe and how they earn a living through vending.
Lastly, the BVTA, together with other vendors’ associations across the country, has been calling for an end to corruption and harassment of vendors. As the BVTA continues its advocacy efforts and engagement with relevant authorities, vendors in Bulawayo remain hopeful for a future free from the burden of bribery. The push for licensing serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring vendors to reclaim their rights and rebuild their businesses on a foundation of integrity and transparency.
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