Bulawayo council stands firm on CBD trading ban

The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has upheld its decision to ban "odds and ends" trading in the central business district (CBD), rejecting an appeal from informal traders who had sought a temporary suspension and broader consultation.

Council minutes show that despite acknowledging gaps in engagement, authorities resolved to proceed with the prohibition, arguing that the move is necessary to restore order in Bulawayo's city centre.

According to the Director of Town Planning, the decision follows a December 3, 2025 resolution to stop issuing new licences to "odds and ends" traders operating in the CBD. Existing licences will remain valid until they expire in 2026 but will not be renewed.

Council said the ban was prompted by growing public complaints over congestion and unfair competition with formal businesses.

"The move was necessitated by a public outcry on the increase of trading activities… in front of formal shops which invariably sold the same commodities," the report noted.

Authorities also cited blocked pavements and disruption to pedestrian movement as key concerns.

The affected trade typically involves the sale of small items such as cellphone accessories, belts and sweets along busy pavements.

The Bulawayo MSMEs Working Group, led by chairperson Vincent Donga, criticised the decision, arguing that it was made without adequate consultation.

"This decision, made without engagement, undermines the goodwill and collaborative spirit that have been built over time," the group said in its appeal.

The association warned that the ban could severely impact livelihoods, noting that many traders had been operating legally and contributing revenue to the city.

It also raised concerns over proposed relocation plans, saying the cost of formal shop rentals - estimated at around US$200 per month plus a similar deposit - is beyond the reach of most informal traders.

"This cost structure is beyond the disposable income of many informal traders," the group said, warning that the transition could collapse small businesses.

While standing by the ban, council officials conceded shortcomings in how the decision was implemented.

The Chamber Secretary acknowledged that consultation may have been inadequate and that more notice should have been given to allow traders time to relocate.

The Town Planning Department also admitted that the notice period was insufficient, describing it as "an area for improvement."

However, council maintained that urgent action was required to address disorder in the CBD.

As part of mitigation efforts, council has identified alternative vending sites, including areas near the City Hall car park (Site 7), the Highlanders site and a location at Lobengula Street and 4th Avenue.

Authorities believe these sites can accommodate affected traders, although concerns remain over capacity and accessibility.

Under the new framework, only selected categories - such as newspapers, airtime and sim cards - will continue to be licensed within the CBD. Traders with 2025 licences may switch to these permitted categories.

The decision sets up a potential confrontation between city authorities seeking to decongest the CBD and informal traders fighting to protect their livelihoods.

Calls for further dialogue and a phased transition are expected to continue as the policy takes effect.