Harare's Mayor, Jacob Mafume, has responded to growing concerns about illegal street vending in the city, particularly following the viral video of a man cooking on a gas stove in the central business district (CBD). This incident has sparked outrage and highlighted ongoing issues with informal trading in Harare, where vendors frequently set up stalls in busy areas. Mafume stressed the importance of maintaining public safety and stated that Harare should not be treated as a refugee camp, especially with dangerous practices like using gas canisters in the middle of the city.

The mayor's comments come after criticism directed at the Harare City Council for its inability to regulate street vending effectively. Many informal vendors, who often rely on these activities for their livelihoods, have taken to the streets, and local authorities struggle to balance their needs with public safety concerns. The mayor indicated that while vendors must find ways to survive, their activities must not endanger others in the capital city. He also pointed out that while law enforcement has the authority to address illegal activities, residents must recognize the city’s primary role as a functional urban area rather than a place for unregulated informal trading.

Mafume's remarks underscore a broader issue facing many urban centers in Africa, where informal trading provides essential income to numerous individuals but can also lead to safety hazards and chaos in public spaces. The situation in Harare reflects wider socio-economic challenges, including unemployment and the struggle for livelihoods amid economic difficulties, prompting many to resort to informal work as their primary means of survival. The city must find solutions that address both the livelihoods of street vendors while ensuring the safety and order of public spaces.