Over the years, Zanu (PF) stalwarts instructed vendors in and around town to close their businesses as a way of forcing them to attend the commemorations which most urbanites snub because the celebrations have been turned into a Zanu (PF) affair.
However, this year was different for most vendors who went about their daily activities. Although most of them said business was low, the vendors appreciated the independence of being given the choice to open their businesses instead of being forced to close.
Gregory Hamandishe from Mbare, who sells dried farm produce at Mbare Musika vegetable market said it could be that the youths were too tired to come and force vendors to close their businesses following the just ended national youth conference.
“I still cannot believe that we have been selling our wares on such a day because every year, we were used to being told to close and attend Heroes commemorations, which we never do,” said Hamandishe.
Florence Chapwanya attributed the low turnout of customers to past trends, where the majority of the people knew that market places would be closed on such holidays.
“I am sure that people thought that we were closed just like what happens every year. I am just hoping that Zanu (PF) youths have turned over a new leaf and have realised that people cannot be forced to go and commemorate celebrations that they do not identify with,” she said, adding that although she respected heroes contributions, the manipulation of the day by Zanu (PF) made her lose heart in taking part in any of the activities for the day.
Tracy Tsoto who sells second hand clothes at Charge Office taxi rank in Harare said she had recorded brisk business considering that most shops were closed.
“This is one of my best days in business and I wish heroes day is commemorated every month,” said Tsoto, revealing that she had pocketed over $220.
Post published in: News