The Sound of Struggle: How Zimbabwe’s Economic Meltdown is Changing the Face of its Cities

By Loyd Matare

Ohh!!! Todii, senzeni, what shall we do? Tingadii?…These are the opening lines to a slow-paced, soulful ballad, yet emotionally charged song that is a passionate plea for answers from a troubled and tormented soul.

The lyrics “Todii” are a poignant expression of longing and despair. The song’s title, “Todii,” is a Shona word that roughly translates to “What shall we do?” or “What’s to be done?”

The lyrics to the song by the late legendary Zimbabwean musician Oliver Mtukudzi are a lamentation of lost love, with the singer seeking answers to the questions that haunt him.

Despite using a different melody and altered lyrics, the song’s tittle and lyrics suggest a sense of despair and resignation. The singer seems to have given up hope of reuniting with his loved one, leaving him with only questions and doubts.

The ordinary man in the street today echoes the song in his heart as the country’s teething economic meltdown continue to bite.

While retail outlets are closing up one after the other, citing enonomic hardships, one cannot help but question what he or she did to be in such a predicament.

Surely it is such a shame that the once-thriving metropolis is now a shadow of its former self, a testament to the devastating economic crisis that has ravaged the country.

The streets, once bustling with activity, are now lined with closed retail outlets, a stark reminder of the city’s decline.

Food World Supermarket, a beloved institution in Harare, permanently closed its Eastgate branch last year, citing “microeconomic challenges” as the reason for its shutdown.

Choppies Supermarket was forcibly evicted from Gweru’s central business district, leaving 60 workers jobless and vendors who relied on the supermarket for their livelihoods in a state of distress.

Recently, OK Zimbabwe, the country’s largest retailer, has shut down five outlets nationwide, citing a harsh trading environment and mounting financial pressures.

N. Richards Wholesale has also closed two stores in Harare, signalling deepening distress in the formal retail sector.

As the formal retail sector continues to shrink, the informal sector is growing exponentially.

Vendors and tuck shops are now the dominant force in Harare’s streets, selling everything from food to clothing. However, this growth has come at a cost, with many of these informal traders avoiding customs and excise duties through smuggling, creating unfair competition for formal businesses.

The Consumer Council of Zimbabwe (CCZ) has expressed concern at the continued closure of formal retail and wholesale shops in the country, leaving consumers at the mercy of tuck shops and vendors.

“Formal retailers and wholesalers contribute significantly to the national fiscus through payment of statutory obligations such as taxes, salaries, and utilities,” the CCZ said.

“These closures have ripple effects on the economy through reduced payment of taxes, unemployment and the whole food value chain is heavily affected, compromising on consumers’ right to choose, to fair value, to information and above all, every trader must be governed by the Consumer Protection Act so that consumers are treated fairly with their rights upheld by all.”

The CCZ has called on policymakers and enforcement agents to play a leading role in safeguarding the survival of the formal sector, which is the mainstay of Zimbabwe’s economy.

“We urge consumers to buy wisely from formal, registered retailers as they are guaranteed good quality and safe products that will not affect their health and wellbeing,” the consumer watchdog said.

Vendors on the other hand have strongly disagreed to the fact that they are operating illegally yet blame the economic meltdown which forced them to be in the streets.

“I never thought I’d end up selling vegetables on the streets, but life had other plans,” said Mai Tafadzwa, a vendor in Harare’s central business district. “I used to work as a secretary, but I lost my job due to company restructuring. Now, I’m forced to hustle on the streets just to make ends meet.”

Baba Tinashe, another vendor, echoed similar sentiments. “I’m a qualified mechanic, but the economic situation has made it impossible for me to find a decent job. Now, I sell second-hand clothes on the streets. It’s not my dream job, but it puts food on the table.”

However, the proliferation of vendors on the streets has made it increasingly difficult for pedestrians to navigate the pavements.

“I’m tired of having to walk on the road because the pavements are occupied by vendors,” said Rudo Moyo, a commuter. “It’s not safe, especially during peak hours. The city council should do something to regulate the vendors and clear the pavements.”

Another pedestrian, Tendai Kamunhu, shared similar concerns. “I’m worried about the safety of pedestrians, especially children and the elderly. The vendors have taken over the pavements, and it’s becoming increasingly difficult to walk safely. Something needs to be done to address this issue.”