Informal sector organisations call for a robust social protection scheme
The Informal Economy Agenda Coalition, representing informal workers, traders, vendors and cross-border traders has called for a robust social protection scheme that cushions vulnerable groups in society.
In a statement, the Informal Economy Agenda Coalition proposed that Government should to introduce a robust social protection scheme with inputs from all informal sector representative groups, as a matter of urgency.
Secondly, government is also requested to make necessary amendments to the new regulations to cater for the needs of informal sector workers. For our part we seek to work with Government through dialogue to develop win-win solutions for the informal sector in terms of policy and policy implementation, particularly on the current lockdown measures.
Furthermore, we are also concerned that market places have been placed on outright closure. It would have been preferable if licenced traders were allowed to continue operating with strict Covid-19 protocols compliance. The Bulawayo Vendors and Traders’ Association has already made significant strides in providing materials such as hand sanitizers, masks and water dispensers for washing hands in over 22 markets in Bulawayo.
Informal cross-border traders will be badly affected by the new regulations. This will undoubtedly lead to loss of life at illegal crossing points on the crocodile-infested Limpopo River. Women traders have been seen claiming to be crossing in order to buy medicines.
Women make up the majority of informal sector workers and they will be particularly affected by the new regulations, as they will lose their sources of what little income they earn. It is emphasised that the needs of women must always be considered a priority when such regulations are introduced.
It is our well-considered view that lockdown measures should be implemented along with increased spending on health services and remuneration for our long-suffering health personnel.
All citizens of Zimbabwe are urged to take due care and implement all World Health Organisation (WHO) protocols on Covid-19 – mask up, sanitize and maintain social distancing. This is a disease that does not discriminate between rich and poor, young and old, or men and women.
The Informal Economy Agenda coalition comprises the Bulawayo Vendors’ and Traders’ Association, the Vendors’ Initiative for Social and Economic Transformation, the Women Alliance of Business Associations in Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe Cross-Border Traders’ Association and the Zimbabwe Chamber of Informal Economy Associations.
