THE Zimbabwe economy is vastly driven by the informal sector.
According to the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce, “the size of Zimbabwe's informal economy is estimated to be 64,1% which represents approximately US$42 billion at gross domestic product purchasing power parity levels”.
With the growth and activities happening in the informal business sector, there is a need to keep an eye on the safety and health of those involved.
According to the National Social Security Authority, reported occupational injuries distributions by industrial sector and region from 2018-23 amounted to 25 164 in Zimbabwe.
In the first half of 2024 (from January to May), the injured population by industrial sector and region totalled to 1645.
That alone shows that people continue to be injured, and a need to protect them and provide quality education, information and communication and the informal business sector is not exempted.
The informal business sector in Zimbabwe plays a crucial role in the economy, employing a significant portion of the population.
However, it faces numerous challenges related to safety and health.
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Occupational risks
Workers in the informal sector are generally exposed to various occupational hazards, including poor working conditions, lack of protective equipment, and exposure to harmful substances.
This can lead to a high incidence of work-related injuries and illnesses.
For example, the country is primarily driven by agriculture and mining, where the highest incidents of injuries occur.
In artisanal and small-scale gold mining, there are high injury risk factors such as digging, blasting, crushing and use of mercury.
This exposes people to injuries and deaths.
In a Press briefing earlier this year, chief government mining engineer Michael Munodawafa indicated that mining incidents killed at least 237 people in the year 2023 alone.
These deaths came mainly from unregistered miners.
Lack of regulatory enforcement
The informal sector is typically not regulated by formal labour laws, which means there is often no enforcement of health and safety standards.
This lack of oversight can result in unsafe working environments leading to injuries and deaths.
Health impacts
The health impacts on workers in the informal sector are significant.
Many workers suffer from chronic health issues due to prolonged exposure to hazardous conditions.
In the hunt for the next morsel of bread, people will overlook hazards and dangers of harmful conditions.
There is also a lack of access to healthcare services, which exacerbates these problems.
Environmental factors
Informal businesses often operate in environments that are not conducive to good health, such as overcrowded markets or areas with poor sanitation.
A good example is along Lobengula Street in Bulawayo, close to Egodini, and Mbare Musika in Harare.
People are crowded as they try to sell their products, including fresh food and vegetables.
Food should undergo legislated stages in production, processing, and market distribution so that all food is suitable and tested for human consumption.
The Food and Food Standards Act [Chapter 15: 04] seeks to protect and promote good health in the food sector.
However, it is complicated to enforce it in Zimbabwe’s informal business sector.
This can lead to the spread of diseases and other health issues.
The need to formalise
Calls and efforts must be made first of all to formalise the informal business sector.
Practical and progressive means and measures should be used to help the informal sector, to have professional and proper structures that will ensure good health standards.
Secondly, the government, in liaison with non-governmental organisations and private entities, must work and lobby to improve working conditions and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
Formalisation could help provide better protection for workers and improve their overall well-being.
Parting point
In Zimbabwe, the informal business sector is inevitable considering the prevailing market and economic forces or conditions at play.
However, strong strides must be made to ensure safety in the informal business sector.
Addressing all these challenges requires well-crafted and concerted efforts from various stakeholders, including the government, local authorities and the businesses themselves.
By improving regulation and providing better support for informal workers, it is possible to enhance safety and health in this vital sector.
- Jonah Nyoni is an author, speaker, and leadership trainer. He can be contacted on X @jonahnyoni. WhatsApp: +263 772 581 918
