CCC, Zanu-PF clash over Mupedzanhamo, again

Tensions have arisen between the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) and the ruling Zanu-PF party regarding the allocation of vending spaces at the soon-to-reopen Mupedzanhamo flea market.

The market, owned by the Harare City Council, has been closed for nearly three years, with disputes over control of the lucrative vending spaces intensifying.

An all-stakeholder meeting took place last week in preparation for the market's reopening, with attendees including Mayor Ian Makone, Deputy Mayor Kudzai Kadzombe, city council directors, and other stakeholders. Registration for all SME traders is ongoing in advance of the reopening.

Denford Ndadziore, Harare City Council small and medium enterprises (SMEs) chairperson, emphasized that Mupedzanhamo market is the property of the City of Harare, and political parties have no legal ownership or authority in its operation. He also stated that, in accordance with the new SMEs policy, all vendors and SME traders should register at Harare's district offices.

Zanu-PF's Mbare MP, Martin Matinyanya, claimed that he was not invited to the meeting and expressed his desire for previous beneficiaries to be given priority for vending spaces. Reports have indicated that CCC and Zanu-PF are clashing over the distribution of vending spaces.

The reopening of Mupedzanhamo market, initially scheduled for December 20, 2022, has been postponed multiple times.