The launch of the Vendors for Economic Development (Vendors for ED) Manicaland Chapter, provides vendors in the area a platform to present their issues with one voice.
Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Nokuthula Matsikenyeri, said this yesterday at the launch of Vendors for ED Manicaland Chapter.
“This is a milestone achievement. Vendors constitute the majority of the informal employment chunk, and this is a welcome initiative which will see them air their grievances as an organised entity and in one voice,” said Minister Matsikenyere, who was the guest of honour.
“We are happy with the efforts that they are doing to mobilise support for President Mnangagwa and Zanu PF. They have been a critical component in the growth of the ruling party.
“We are already in the process of engaging the city fathers for them to offer them decent and ideal places for vending. We believe this movement will play a critical role in addressing their grievances and wishes.”
Zanu PF Secretary for Finance, Cde Patrick Chinamasa who was represented by Nyanga South Member of Parliament, Cde Supa Mandiwanzira, congratulated the vendors for launching the Manicaland Chapter.
“This initiative is a demonstration of His Excellency (President Mnangagwa’s) commitment to making sure that nobody is left behind in the quest for economic emancipation,” said Cde Chinamasa.
“President Mnangagwa has repeatedly said that no one must be left behind in the development and progression of our country, and to have vendors as part of our trajectory and as part of the equation, is most important.
“I think it is a wonderful platform for vendors who were never given a voice before to be able to present themselves to the ruling party’s provincial and national leadership as well as local authority as an organised entity.”
Cde Chinamasa added that through the organisation, vendors will be able to present their grievances and indicate the kind of support they require, and the Government, as well as the local authority, will respond to the issues appropriately.
“Our President is synonymous with economic development, so it is appropriate to say Vendors for President Emmerson Mnangagwa because he is a personification of economic development in the country,” he said.
Scores of jubilant people, largely vendors, attended the launch which started with a procession to the venue.
They joined each other in song and dance. – The Herald
