Windhoek vendors caught between survival and law

Among the bustling traffic and corporate towers of Windhoek’s central business district (CBD), an often-overlooked economic force thrives on the city’s sidewalks.

Informal street vendors, many of them young and single unemployed mothers, line the pavements selling fruit, clothes, phone accessories and handmade crafts to survive.

Among them is Mommy Iininga who sells handmade crafts on Independence Avenue.

She says her journey into the informal economy was by necessity.

“Before I got my permit, my products were confiscated several times. I had to pay fines to avoid being arrested,” she says. “When I was applying, they told me I had to be Namibian and sell only handmade items. So, I trained myself in crafting.”

She sells wrist beads and bracelets to the tourists who flock to the city centre.

Iininga’s story mirrors that of hundreds of informal vendors across Windhoek, many of whom operate in restricted zones without permits, risking fines, harassment and the confiscation of their goods.

They argue that while they wish to comply with regulations, obtaining permits is a slow and often fruitless process.

According to municipal by-laws, vending in designated areas without a permit is illegal.

City of Windhoek spokesperson Lydia Amutenya says permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis, with preference given to arts and crafts traders.

The city has also stated that all CBD stalls available for use are occupied, and the kiosks that are empty are part of a broader CBD revitalisation strategy and are not available.

Still, vendors argue that enforcement is rigid, and alternative sites are unsuitable.

“I tried behind Shoprite and the open market,” says Thomas Shiindi, a vendor who sells phone accessories. “But it’s not the same. I can make more in a single day in town than I do in a whole week there.”

Shiindi says areas designated by the municipality are overcrowded and attract little foot traffic.

“For most of us, it’s either sell here in the city centre and risk getting fined, or go hungry.”

And a single fine, ranging from N$1 000 to N$2 000, can wipe out a week’s earnings.

Worse still, some vendors have had their goods destroyed during enforcement actions, primarily by officials from the Windhoek City Police.

“They confiscated my oranges and apples,” says a vendor near Wernhil Park. “I cried. That was all I had.”

Recent statistics from the Namibia Statistics Agency indicate that in the Khomas region, youth unemployment stands at 44.2%, and over 34% of young people are not in employment, education or training. The broader regional unemployment and potential labour force rate stands at an alarming 55%.

For many, street vending is the only viable option.

A single mother of three, Maria (31) sells phone accessories at Town Square.

She says she lives in a state of constant vigilance – not against crime, but against the City Police.

“If they catch you, they take your things or fine you,” she says. “If you’re lucky, you get a warning. But where else can I go?” she says.

The Windhoek municipality has announced plans to develop a formal open market near the Shoprite parking area to relocate vendors currently operating in undesignated zones.

But vendors argue that these locations do not support their businesses.

“People don’t go there to buy phone accessories,” Shiindi says.

Another growing concern is storage along Post Street Mall in the city centre. Some vendors have reported theft and mismanagement at municipal storehouses.

In response, the municipality clarified that these facilities are self-managed and encouraged vendors to collaborate to enhance safety.

Meanwhile, City of Windhoek Affirmative Repositioning councillor Maitjituavi Kavetu says the city is listening to the complaints.

“We know the challenges vendors face, and council has already begun discussions to review and soften some of the by-laws, so they better accommodate and support informal traders,” Kavetu says.

Despite the challenges, vendors persist.

“I don’t want to break the law,” Maria says. “I just want to feed my children.”

Vendors like Maria and Thomas say they are not asking for handouts; they are asking for dignity, empathy and to work without fear.

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