Tendai Chara
MALVERN NYAMURONDA, a father of four from Mabvuku, Harare, has found himself navigating a precarious business terrain in the city’s bustling Central Business District.
For the past two years, the boot of his car has served as his makeshift kitchen, a lifeline for his family. Despite the challenges he faces, Nyamuronda’s determination to provide for his loved ones remains unwavering.
Each day, the cooked food vendor braves the city’s traffic to set up his mobile food stall in the heart of the city.
However, his entrepreneurial spirit is frequently met with resistance as he operates against set by-laws. Resultantly, law-enforcement authorities often descend upon him. They confiscate his merchandise and fine him heavily.
The constant raids have taken a toll on his business and left him on the brink.
Nyamuronda’s dream is to operate his food business legally, free from harassment. He believes the authorities should recognise the essential service he and other informal food vendors provide to the city’s residents.
“The fact that people are buying our food means there is a ready market. We are providing an essential service and as such, I am pleading with the relevant authorities to give us permits so that we can sell our food legally, without fear,” he said.
By granting them permits, Nyamuronda argues, the authorities could not only support local businesses but also ensure that the food being sold is safe and of high quality.
His story is not unique.
Many other food vendors interviewed by The Sunday Mail Society shared similar stories.
Jack Manengureni, who runs an illegal canteen downtown, expressed a similar desire to formalise his business.
He is willing to pay the necessary fees to operate legally and avoid the constant cat-and-mouse games with law-enforcement officers. The vendor, however, notes that there are existing bottlenecks at the local authority offices that make formalisation a challenge.
“We are always playing hide and seek with law-enforcement agents and at times we are forced to pay heavy fines and bribes. I am willing to pay the amount that might be required for us to operate legally,” he said in an interview.
Food safety
The burgeoning informal food sector in the country has become a double-edged sword. While it acts as a vital source of income for several people, its existence raises concern over food safety and public health.
In Harare, the streets are teeming with food vendors — including those who sell merchandise from car boots and the ones operating from backyard kitchens. The low prices offered by these informal outlets have made them popular among consumers, but the lack of regulation has created a breeding ground for unsanitary conditions and potential disease outbreaks.
Moleen Marasha, a street vendor who sells food from her car, has joined the growing chorus calling for the legalisation of informal food vending.
She believes, with proper regulation and oversight, she could contribute to the city’s economy, while ensuring the safety of her customers.
“In my case, I am ready and willing to pay and comply with any conditions the council might impose. Selling food is my only source of income. However, we always face challenges each time we try to formalise our operations,” she said.
The problem is not confined to Harare.
Widespread
In Gweru, the city council has issued a warning to mobile kitchen operators, demanding they cease their operations immediately. The council has expressed concerns about the illegal nature of these businesses and the potential health risks they pose.
“Please be advised that all mobile kitchens operating from caravans in various areas of the city are required to remove them immediately. These caravans are operating illegally and failure to comply will result in council confiscating them,” reads the notice.
Vimbai Chingwaramusee, the City of Gweru’s communications and public relations officer, acknowledged the need for regulation in the informal food sector.
She emphasised the importance of registering mobile kitchen operators and providing them with training and licensing to ensure that they meet health and safety standards.
“We are working hard to make sure that such illegal operations are regularised. We want them to operate from designated areas,” she said.
“Once registered, they will be issued with health and operating licences.
“Their operations will be monitored and they will also be trained on how to handle food,” she added.
Health experts have repeatedly cautioned against consuming food from informal vendors, citing the risk of diseases such as food poisoning, gastroenteritis and typhoid.
The 2018 typhoid outbreak in Gweru serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with unregulated food vending.
Dr Prosper Chonzi, the Harare City Council’s director of health services, has called for the registration and monitoring of these operators to ensure that they comply with the relevant health standards.
“Illegal food outlets are mushrooming all over. We have also noticed that people are now selling food from their car boots during lunch hour in town and at tertiary institutions.
“The environment they are using does not conform to the required health standards. Such operators must be registered and constantly monitored to prevent the spread of diseases and protect public health,” Dr Chonzi said in a recent interview with this publication.
Debate
The debate over the legalisation of informal food vending in the country has intensified, with vendors expressing divergent views on the matter. While some believe formalisation could provide greater stability and opportunities, others are wary of the associated costs and regulations.
Nicholas Manyenga, a food vendor operating along George Silundika Avenue in Harare, argues that the authorities should follow the example of other countries that have successfully legalised mobile food vending.
He points to South Africa as a model, where vendors are allowed to sell food from their cars without being arrested and fined.
“I once worked in South Africa. Vendors in that country can legally sell food from the boot of their cars.
“I am praying that the Harare City Council will one day make serious effort to formalise our operations,” he said.
Manyenga believes formalisation would not only provide vendors with legal protection but also offer them access to the necessary resources and infrastructure.
The council, he further noted, could generate crucial revenue by charging fees for permits and designated vending spaces.
However, not all vendors share his enthusiasm for regularisation. Some are content with the status quo, despite the risks associated with operating illegally.
They argue that the costs of permits and compliance with regulations would outweigh the benefits.
Some vendors had previously approached the Harare City Council to operate by the book but were “put off” by the licensing requirements that included strict inspections and hefty operating fees.
The council’s food hygiene by-law outlines strict regulations for food vendors, including prohibition of placing food on the ground and the requirement to cover food on display.
These regulations are frequently ignored by illegal vendors.
“Formalising street food vending will make the food more expensive. I know for certain that if the council introduces permits, the charges for the permits will be too steep. We will then certainly hike our prices and the people whom we serve will not be able to buy from us,” said Mavis Maposa.
Her colleague, Ivan Chirinda, concurred.
“At present we are making 100 percent profits. Personally, I am happy with the current situation.”
Challenges
Harare City Council spokesperson Stanley Gama acknowledged the challenges associated with validating street food vending.
Monitoring such businesses, he noted, could be difficult, particularly for law-enforcement agencies.
He also raised concerns about the specialised equipment required for the trade.
“In my view, the monitoring of such businesses might come with a lot of challenges. I do not think that it will be practical for law- enforcement agencies to inspect each and every vehicle and backyard canteen,” Gama said.
“In other countries, those who deliver food have specialised vans that are designed specifically to handle food. I am not sure if our local vendors have the capacity to buy, operate and maintain such vehicles.”
In the past, the City of Harare has conducted raids on illegal food outlets. Health practitioners have repeatedly warned the public against purchasing food from unregulated sources, emphasising the risks of food-borne illnesses.
The Restaurant Operators’ Association of Zimbabwe has voiced concerns about the impact of illegal food vending on their businesses. They argue that these unlicensed operators not only compete unfairly but also pose a threat to public health.
In countries like South Africa, food vendors are required to obtain permits to sell food from their cars.
This regulatory framework has helped to validate the sector and ensure that vendors adhere to safety standards.
The growing number of illegal food vendors in the country underscores the need for urgent action.
