Street vending in urban Tanzania is a big sector that touches different activities. This research paper applies the ‘forbearance’ conceptual understanding to investigate the introduction and implementation of small traders’ Identity Cards or simply Wamachinga IDs as an official formalisation strategy. It reports the findings of a qualitative research design undertaken to explain the process of formalisation of street vendors and their trade in Dar es Salaam region. The study, therefore, recommends a participatory approach to improving the Wamachinga ID initiative alongside related by-laws to address the challenges this ID system faces. For in-depth insights, please click to download the full journal article.