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Message: [QUOTE="Nehanda, post: 28497, member: 2262"] LEAD has called the government's actions against street vendors cruel and careless. They claim these moves hurt people who already struggle with no jobs. Without better work options, kicking vendors off the streets only pushes them deeper into money troubles and hopelessness. The government recently ordered all vendors to get proper licenses and sell only in certain spots. Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe made this rule, but sellers say it makes no sense because cities don't have enough official places to do business. LEAD wants the government to stop removing vendors immediately. They ask for talks that include everyone, more official selling areas, laws that protect vendors, money help, and team-ups between public and private groups. They point out that people sell on the streets because the government failed to create enough regular jobs. Many desperate sellers faced harsh treatment after the new rules were announced. They worry about how they'll survive when the country already deals with high jobless rates and rising prices. Most vendors selling fruits, veggies, and household items on sidewalks didn't choose this life but had to do it because real jobs are hard to find. LEAD sent a letter saying vendors aren't breaking laws—they're hard workers forced into street selling because the government couldn't create enough employment. Pushing them away without giving them other options just creates more poverty and unrest in society. The government claims these cleanups bring order to cities. Critics argue these actions target poor people who've been forgotten by economic rules that only help rich and powerful groups. LEAD calls what's happening a direct attack on thousands of people trying to make money to live. LEAD begs the government to focus on ideas that help struggling citizens instead of punishing them. Since about 90% of people in Zimbabwe work outside traditional jobs, this latest crackdown threatens to leave thousands with no income and no way to support themselves or their families. Vendors have made it clear they'll have no choice but to return to selling on the streets regardless of the dangers if the government doesn't offer real solutions. They need to feed their families and will take risks if that's their only option to survive. [/QUOTE]

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