This article reports excerpts from conversations with 30 boys working the streets of Harare. The conversations took place from February to November 1993. The excerpts describe their living arrangements, their relationships and recreation, and their work. Far from presenting themselves as ruffians out to make a quick buck, the boys like to be clean and well dressed. They respect hard work and they believe in the virtue of honesty. Older boys do not like to beg and they teach others how to park cars. Eleven of the boys also had weekly contracts to guard the cars of office workers. Contracts have not been reported in other countries and they may be an important indicator that the Harare public accepts the role of the street boys in the day-to-day life of the central business district.
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