Source: The Herald – Breaking news.
Minister of Industry and Commerce Mangaliso Ndlovu (second from right) chats with Harare Metropolitan Provincial Affairs and Devolution permanent secretary Cosmas Chiringa (third from right) ,Consumer Protection Commission board chairperson Ms Respina Zinyanduko (right) and Ministry of Industry and Commerce Chief Director Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Dr Douglas Runyowa, (left) at World Consumer Rights day commemorations in Harare yesterday. — Picture: Memory Mangombe 
Joseph Madzimure, Senior Reporter
GOVERNMENT has issued a stern warning against night vending, citing the proliferation of counterfeit products and the chaos caused by unregulated street trading.
Last week, local authorities were given a 48-hour ultimatum to clear night vendors from the streets of cities and towns across the country.
This move comes in response to a surge in night vending over recent months, which has led to increased human traffic, widespread littering, and disruptions to businesses operating in central business districts.
Now, all vendors are required to possess valid licenses and operate exclusively from designated areas.
Speaking at the 2025 World Consumer Rights Day commemorations, the Minister of Industry and Commerce, Mangaliso Ndlovu, said there is a need for regulation and consumer protection to protect the public from harmful goods that are being sold on the streets.
“To those involved in night street vending, be warned: if you believe your trade is necessary, seek appropriate authority so that it can be supervised and protected.
“Operating without such authority is a violation of the law and puts both you and consumers at risk. This is unacceptable,” he said.
Minister Ndlovu urged consumers to be cautious of counterfeit products flooding the market, many of which are produced or repackaged in unregistered backyard industries.
“Our street pavements have turned into market stalls, filled with everything from designer-label clothes and shoes to foodstuffs, beverages, and even medicines.
“Most of these products are unregulated, posing serious risks to consumer health and safety.
“While we want to harness the entrepreneurial spirit of our people, it must be done correctly, without endangering the very people we aim to serve,” he said. Minister Ndlovu said many of these counterfeit goods are smuggled into the country through undesignated crossing points, allowing traders to evade taxes and sell products at low prices. However, he warned that these low prices come at a significant cost to consumer health and safety.
“I appeal to all consumers not to fall for this brazen deception. The risks far outweigh the benefits,” Minister Ndlovu said.
Participants follow proceedings during World comsumer rights day commemorations in Harare yesterdy. -Picture: Memory Mangombe.
He commended the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe, for directing local authorities to remove vendors from undesignated areas.
Minister Ndlovu also reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to protecting consumer rights and fostering a fair and transparent marketplace.
“Together, we can build a future where every citizen can participate in the marketplace with confidence, knowing their rights are protected and their voices are heard. By fostering a culture of fairness and transparency, we can achieve our Vision 2030 and create a prosperous and inclusive Zimbabwe for all,” he said.
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