Informal Cross Border Traders(ICBTs) are embracing the new normal in the wake of the novel virus had a press conference at the Zimbabwe Women’s Bureau recently to amplify informal sector voices and submit recommendations to relevant stakeholders.
Zimbabwe Women’s Bureau (ZWB) through Information for Women’s Voices project is raising awareness in ICBTs on their rights as an informal sector.
ZWB’s connection to other networks like Zimbabwe Chamber of Informal Economy Association( ZICIEA), Women Alliance of Business Associations in Zimbabwe (WABAZ), and Zimbabwe Cross Border Traders Association(ZCBTA) promote a collective voice in lobbying and advocacy, influence policy changes in informal sector.
During the press conference, the associations lamented the exorbitant fees
for Covid-19 tests for travellers when land borders reopen as a hindrance to informal cross border traders.
“Most informal cross border traders were affected by the Covid-19 induced lockdown with other losing their source of livelihood.Charging $60US for Covid-19 tests is expensive to the informal cross border traders who have been idle for such a long period”, said Ratidzo Mufanechiya Chitungwiza Territorial president at ZICIEA.
Her sentiments were also echoed by other panelists who included Prisca Mudondo ZWB board member, Augustine Tawanda ZCBTA secretary general and Irene Mukarakati WABAZ chairperson.
Augustine Tawanda highlighted the need for financial inclusion in the informal sector.”Informal cross border traders should have access to finance even if they do not have collaterals for loans.There should be group lending”, he said.
In a side line interview, Margaret Tembo a vendor applauded ZWB for helping with information to make informal trading be not complicated.
“One should have knowledge on what she wants to do and how profitable it is rather than just trying and ZWB is aiding with information on how to manage our businesses”, said elated Tembo.
Loveness Kapfudza a cross border trader and also a member of Nhaka Hedu Women Trust said in an interview that the new normal is in their system but it is hard.”We are buying second- hand clothes online instead of purchasing them in Mozambique as we did before lockdown. Sometimes we receive goods that we don’t want”, she said.
She bemoaned the destruction of their market stalls during Covid-19 lockdown as a set back.
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