By: Mpho Shelile
Maseru – In cities across the world, studies have shown that street vendors play a crucial role in the growth of the urban economy. They provide affordable goods and services, contribute to the vibrancy of city life, and create employment opportunities for themselves and others.
However, in many places, including our city Maseru, street vendors are increasingly being removed from their spots near main roads. This policy, often justified by authorities on the grounds of traffic management and urban aesthetics, has profound effects on the vendors and the communities they serve, particularly on women who make up a significant portion of this workforce.
Street vendors are a vital part of the informal economy. Many of them are women, who also double as primary breadwinners for their families. They sell everything from fresh produce and hot meals to clothing and household items. These vendors provide affordable options to low-income consumers who might otherwise be unable to access essential goods. For many women, their spot near a main road is not just a place of business, it is a lifeline.
Removing vendors from these prime locations disrupts this delicate balance and can have devastating economic consequences. For women street vendors, the impact is even more severe. Mrs. Matikeo Marumo, a vendor in Maseru, emphasizes that street vending offers her the flexibility she needs to balance work with her responsibilities at home. “Street vending allows me to earn an income while still being able to care for my children and manage household tasks,” she says. “If I lose this spot, I lose my ability to support my family.”
Mrs. Marumo also stressed that the impact of removing street vendors extends beyond the economic realm. “Street vendors contribute to the social fabric of our communities; they offer a sense of security and community,” she says. “I often form relationships with regular customers and other vendors, which works well for my business. But now I fear that if I move away, I might lose some of my regular customers.” These interactions are part of their daily rhythm of life, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual support.
When vendors are removed, communities lose these informal social networks. “The vibrancy and character of the streets can diminish, making urban areas feel less welcoming and more sterile. Additionally, consumers, especially those from low-income backgrounds, lose access to affordable goods, impacting their cost of living,” Mrs. Marumo concludes.
Mr. Monaheng Mapeshoane, who has been a street vendor for more than five years, highlighted in an interview with Informative Newspaper that relocation often means moving to less accessible areas with significantly lower foot traffic, leading to a sharp decline in sales. “For many, this means struggling to afford basic necessities such as food, rent, and school fees for their children,” he says.
The costs associated with relocating, such as setting up in a new area, transporting goods, and possibly paying for a new spot, can be prohibitive. For vendors already operating on thin margins, these additional expenses push some deeper into poverty, causing them to shut down their businesses.
Mr. Tumelo Nthako, a fruit and vegetable street vendor, stated that authorities often cite traffic congestion, accident potential, and urban beautification as reasons for removing street vendors. While these concerns are valid, it is crucial to approach the issue with an understanding of the vendors’ role in the economy and society. “Authorities should consider how these policies affect our ability to provide food and shelter for our families and pay for our children’s school fees,” he says.
Mr. Nthako suggests that authorities implement designated vending zones that are well-planned and accessible so that their businesses may continue operating without any negative impacts. These zones can be equipped with basic infrastructure such as water, sanitation, and waste management facilities. “By formalizing street vending in this way, authorities can address concerns about urban management while still supporting the livelihoods of vendors,” he adds.
Involving vendors in the planning process is another approach. By working together with vendor associations, city planners can identify mutually beneficial solutions that balance the needs of urban management with the economic realities of street vendors.
The removal of street vendors from main roads is not just a matter of urban planning, it is a human issue with far-reaching consequences. It affects the livelihoods of thousands, disrupts communities, and alters the social and economic landscape of our city. As we move forward, it is essential to consider the full impact of these policies and work towards solutions that support both urban development and the vital contributions of street vendors.
By recognizing the value street vendors, particularly women, bring to our cities, we can develop more inclusive policies that promote economic resilience and social cohesion. After all, a city is more than its buildings and roads—it is the people who live, work, and thrive within it. Empowering women street vendors is not just about preserving livelihoods. but it is about fostering a more equitable and vibrant urban community for everyone.