| Rumbidzai Mhlanga
BULAWAYO-Small holder farmers and informal traders have been urged to formalize their businesses to enjoy some benefits.
The call came during a multi stakeholder dialogue on market access for small holder farmers and informal traders hosted by the Vendors Initiative for Social and Economic Transformation (VISET) in partnership with Bulawayo Vendors and Traders Association (BVTA) at Lalani Hotel.
BVTA Projects Officer, Bakani Ncube highlighted the benefits of formalizing the sector. “Workers in the informal economy are neither registered nor recognised under labour legislation and social protection. We urge those who are in the informal sector to be registered.
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) recommendation 204 of 2015 states that formalization of the informal sector is a rights based transition that provides a convenient way in which small businesses can be registered as legal entities. To be recognised, respected and to work peacefully without hiding or running away from authorities, it would be in our best interest to formalize,” she said.
BVTA Executive Director, Michael Ndiweni said, “Formalization secures a trading license which gives traders access to social security in case of misfortunes happening…goods are insured against such there is compensation in the event of a loss. To formalise is not mandatory but it is an advantage,” he said.
The aim of the dialogue was to discuss market access for small holder farmers and informal traders, empower them to market their products and help them transition from informal to formal traders. ReplyForward | |
