In Harare, Zimbabwe, Dumisani Ngara’s day begins at dawn as he boards the government-provided bus for a free ride to the Ministry of National Housing and Social Amenities, where he works diligently as a civil servant. Despite earning a modest salary of $250 per month, he strives to save as much as possible. Once the workday concludes at 5 p.m., instead of heading home, Ngara transforms into a street vendor, joining his oldest son at a pavement stall to sell groceries to passers-by. This monthly hustle, though necessary due to the economic struggles faced by his family, especially following the severe inflation of 2019, remains a secret, as Zimbabwean government workers are suppressed from holding additional jobs.
Ngara is emblematic of many fellow civil servants in Harare who, after their formal work, engage in vending as a means to supplement their income. This trend is particularly prominent among teachers, who often turn to these informal jobs due to the modest salaries that fail to meet the basic needs of their families. The Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe underscores the desperation of the situation, citing that salaries are “pathetic” and families are struggling to cover essential expenses such as school fees and medical bills.
Despite concerns from registered store owners and the administration about the proliferation of informal vendors, and the challenge of ensuring compliance with regulatory measures, many like Ngara find the side hustle imperative for their survival. The informal sector, contributing significantly to Zimbabwe’s GDP and employment, has grown as a vital, if not substantive, component of the local economy, casting a shadow over traditional businesses that grapple with the dual pressures of stringent economic policies and unregulated competition. As Zimbabwe navigates these economic challenges, the stories of individuals like Ngara highlight the resilience and adaptability of its people in the face of adversity.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2025/3/27/government-workers-moonlight-as-street-vendors-in-zimbabwe?traffic_source=rss
