MAY
2.3 COVID-19, food aid, increased vulnerability& human rights
The end of May 2020 marked eight weeks of limited activity for those in the informal sector. Those that
operated did so unlawfully and the consequences were either confiscation of their goods, a hefty fine, or
harassment, intimidation and assault by state security agents.
The majority of Zimbabweans work in the informal sector, where their income is hand-to-mouth and eight
weeks without operating has left the majority in a vulnerable state. As exposed in the April 2020 report,
government’s promise to provide social protection to the vulnerable fell far short and its administration
was marred by corruption, partisan distribution, and outright neglect.
In the end, it can be concluded that government has not provided adequate assistance to its citizens,
despite President Mnangagwa’s pronouncement that government had launched a ZW$18 billion
(US$360 million) stimulus package.
Demolition of informal sector operating spaces in Mbare
Throughout the month, ZPP recorded cases of informal sector traders who experienced police heavy
handedness as they attempted to reopen their businesses. In addition, a countrywide demolition of
informal traders’ spaces ensued during the first two weeks of May. Informal traders lost their wares in the
process, and government continued to prohibit the reopening of informal trading spaces.
COVID-19 outbreak requires lockdown mechanisms to protect the health of citizens; however,
considering that over 70 percent of Zimbabweans rely on informal trade, government’s lack of adequate
social rescue packages will have drastic effect on the citizens and the economy.
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HUMAN RIGHTS
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