Rejected People: Beggars with Disabilities in the City of Harare, Zimbabwe

Abstract

In Zimbabwe most of the beggars found in streets are disabled people. Most of these poverty-ridden disabled persons have taken advantage of the economic situation of most urban centre’s to remain permanent residents (legal or illegal) of these cities. Poverty and unemployment  are some of the major reasons why disabled people develop a begging behavior. The government and local authorities seem to be clueless on addressing this phenomenon. Due to the ever increasing number of beggars joining the streets cut-throat competition have emerged, which resulted in some vendors being innovative by employing several begging strategies.

Keywords: Begging, disabilities, beggars, colonial