News / National
Zimbabwe govt vows to confiscate and burn second-hand clothing
25 Jan 2025 at 15:43hrs | Views
Tafadzwa Muguti, Permanent Secretary for Presidential Affairs and Devolution in the Office of the President and Cabinet, has reiterated that the importation and sale of second-hand clothing in Zimbabwe remains banned. Speaking during a visit to Carousel Manufacturing, a subsidiary of Edgars Stores Group, Muguti emphasized the government's commitment to protecting local producers by destroying confiscated smuggled consignments.
The ban, first introduced in 2015 after lobbying from industry leaders, aims to shield Zimbabwe's textile, leather, and clothing industries from unfair competition posed by cheap second-hand imports. Despite the prohibition, the trade in second-hand clothes, commonly known as mabhero or amabhele, has surged, driven by smuggling and enforcement challenges. These items have become a primary source of livelihood for many Zimbabweans amid economic hardships.
However, established clothing manufacturers have expressed concerns over the detrimental impact of the second-hand clothing market. Businesses argue that the influx of cheaper imports undermines their ability to compete while they struggle to meet statutory obligations, pay salaries, and cover operational costs.
Muguti confirmed that provinces have been instructed to confiscate and incinerate second-hand clothes, with operations intensifying since December 2024.
"This is an industry that has been affected by second-hand clothes. As Government, we have banned the sale of second-hand clothing. My office has directed all provinces to confiscate second-hand clothing immediately. We have been doing that since December and are now burning them at the provincial hospitals," said Muguti.
The crackdown seeks to reinforce protectionist policies aimed at preserving jobs and supporting local manufacturing industries. However, the ban has sparked debate, with critics arguing that many rely on the affordability of second-hand clothes for survival.
Industry leaders have welcomed the move but stress the need for consistent enforcement to ensure the intended benefits reach local manufacturers and safeguard investments in the sector.
The ban, first introduced in 2015 after lobbying from industry leaders, aims to shield Zimbabwe's textile, leather, and clothing industries from unfair competition posed by cheap second-hand imports. Despite the prohibition, the trade in second-hand clothes, commonly known as mabhero or amabhele, has surged, driven by smuggling and enforcement challenges. These items have become a primary source of livelihood for many Zimbabweans amid economic hardships.
However, established clothing manufacturers have expressed concerns over the detrimental impact of the second-hand clothing market. Businesses argue that the influx of cheaper imports undermines their ability to compete while they struggle to meet statutory obligations, pay salaries, and cover operational costs.
"This is an industry that has been affected by second-hand clothes. As Government, we have banned the sale of second-hand clothing. My office has directed all provinces to confiscate second-hand clothing immediately. We have been doing that since December and are now burning them at the provincial hospitals," said Muguti.
The crackdown seeks to reinforce protectionist policies aimed at preserving jobs and supporting local manufacturing industries. However, the ban has sparked debate, with critics arguing that many rely on the affordability of second-hand clothes for survival.
Industry leaders have welcomed the move but stress the need for consistent enforcement to ensure the intended benefits reach local manufacturers and safeguard investments in the sector.
Source - online
