Storm brews over BCC leases

Decades-old family businesses at Iminyela Shopping Centre in Bulawayo face an uncertain future as the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) moves to lease the premises to new tenants, raising fears among the current occupants about losing their livelihoods.

Among those affected is Ms. Angelina Nkala, whose family has operated a salon at the shopping centre since 1958. The business, established by her grandmother, Mrs. Leah Nkala, has been passed down through generations and is now in its 65th year.

"For years, my family rented this building under long-term lease agreements that we always renewed. However, last year, we were made to sign a one-year lease that can be terminated at any time," Ms. Nkala said. "Our concern is that we might be replaced with new tenants, as we've already seen happen to another business owner here."

Ms. Nkala is one of eight business owners at Iminyela who may lose their premises, which include butcheries, grocery stores, and salons, despite operating in the area for decades.

Concerned residents, business owners, and representatives from the Bulawayo United Residents Association (BURA) gathered at Iminyela Beer Garden yesterday to discuss the matter.

Mr. Amos Mpofu, a BURA representative, decried the potential displacement of long-standing tenants, many of whom have ties to Zimbabwe's liberation history.
"These shops were once run by nationalists who contributed to the country's independence. Though some original tenants have passed on, their children and grandchildren have continued operating these businesses," he said.

"We previously engaged the town clerk, Mr. Christopher Dube, who expressed surprise at the eviction plans after businesses have been here for over 50 years."

A letter obtained by The Chronicle reveals that in August 2012, a meeting chaired by then-mayor Councillor Thaba Moyo resolved that BCC should sell the shops to sitting tenants.

"On 30 August 2012, Mayor Thaba Moyo met with BURA leaders and residents leasing council shops in Mpopoma, Mabuthweni, Iminyela, Nguboyenja, Njube, and Pelandaba. The meeting resolved that BCC sells the said shops to the sitting tenants," the letter reads.

Tenants now hope that BCC will honour this resolution. "Selling the shops to outsiders would be unfair and discriminatory to long-standing tenants," the letter adds.

Mr. Dunken Ncube, who runs a grocery store his family has managed since the 1960s, echoed this sentiment.
"In the late 1980s, we approached the late Vice President Dr. Joshua Nkomo, who said BCC should empower Black entrepreneurs by selling them the properties. Instead, we suspect corrupt individuals within BCC want to hand these shops to their associates," he said.

Mr. Ncube recalled the 2019 protests when shops at Iminyela were vandalised and looted.
"We lost everything to looters, yet we used our own money to renovate the buildings. It's disheartening to see our dedication overlooked."

Ward 9 Councillor Donaldson Mabuto assured tenants of his support, emphasizing that they should be given first priority if the shops are to be sold.
"BCC must not impoverish local businesspeople by denying them ownership after decades of operation," he said. "Many of these tenants have been here for over 50 years, and it is only fair that they are considered first. I will fight to ensure that a just resolution is reached."

The tenants, united by their shared history and commitment, now await BCC's decision, hoping for a resolution that secures their businesses and legacy in one of Bulawayo's oldest suburbs.