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Zanu PF vendors forced to fill up BF for Mnangagwa speech
2 hrs ago |
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MEMBERS of the Patriotic Vendors4ED movement were reportedly instructed to temporarily close their vending stalls along 5th Avenue in Bulawayo last week to boost attendance at National Culture Month celebrations officiated by President Emmerson Mnangagwa at Barbourfields Stadium.
The event, held under the theme "Cultural Diversity: Advancing Vision 2030," was largely attended by school children, while members of Highlanders Football Club were also mobilised to increase attendance.
Patriotic Vendors4ED chairman Esawu Jere and Good Works National chairman Albert Chinomwe reportedly visited traders along 5th Avenue—many of whom operate informally—to encourage them to attend the event.
In remarks attributed to Jere, vendors said they were temporarily suspending operations in solidarity with the national programme.
"We have temporarily closed our Patriotic Vendors4ED vending bays on 5th Avenue to attend this event," he said.
"We have said the whole road must be closed and people must go to the president at Barbourfields Stadium."
Jere also confirmed that some vendors were transported to the stadium using buses arranged for the event.
Chinomwe, meanwhile, said the vending area was not independently allocated but politically facilitated.
"5th Avenue was not freely given, it was brought by Zanu PF," he said.
"Zanu PF gave us 5th Avenue. Consequently, we support our father Mnangagwa."
The comments come amid long-standing concerns by Bulawayo councillors over the continued presence of informal traders along central streets, particularly 5th Avenue, where enforcement efforts have repeatedly faced resistance.
Council officials have previously alleged that some vendors operate under political protection, complicating efforts to enforce by-laws and relocate illegal trading activities.
Attempts by the local authority to relocate vendors to designated areas closer to their residential communities have faced opposition from trader groups, some of whom have staged protests at council offices in the past.
Bulawayo City Council has also in previous instances indicated that illegal vending along major streets remains a persistent urban management challenge, worsened by overcrowding and economic hardship.
The Culture Month commemorations featured cultural performances and speeches emphasising national unity and the promotion of Zimbabwe's diverse cultural heritage in line with Vision 2030 objectives.
The event, held under the theme "Cultural Diversity: Advancing Vision 2030," was largely attended by school children, while members of Highlanders Football Club were also mobilised to increase attendance.
Patriotic Vendors4ED chairman Esawu Jere and Good Works National chairman Albert Chinomwe reportedly visited traders along 5th Avenue—many of whom operate informally—to encourage them to attend the event.
In remarks attributed to Jere, vendors said they were temporarily suspending operations in solidarity with the national programme.
"We have temporarily closed our Patriotic Vendors4ED vending bays on 5th Avenue to attend this event," he said.
"We have said the whole road must be closed and people must go to the president at Barbourfields Stadium."
Jere also confirmed that some vendors were transported to the stadium using buses arranged for the event.
Chinomwe, meanwhile, said the vending area was not independently allocated but politically facilitated.
"5th Avenue was not freely given, it was brought by Zanu PF," he said.
"Zanu PF gave us 5th Avenue. Consequently, we support our father Mnangagwa."
The comments come amid long-standing concerns by Bulawayo councillors over the continued presence of informal traders along central streets, particularly 5th Avenue, where enforcement efforts have repeatedly faced resistance.
Council officials have previously alleged that some vendors operate under political protection, complicating efforts to enforce by-laws and relocate illegal trading activities.
Attempts by the local authority to relocate vendors to designated areas closer to their residential communities have faced opposition from trader groups, some of whom have staged protests at council offices in the past.
Bulawayo City Council has also in previous instances indicated that illegal vending along major streets remains a persistent urban management challenge, worsened by overcrowding and economic hardship.
The Culture Month commemorations featured cultural performances and speeches emphasising national unity and the promotion of Zimbabwe's diverse cultural heritage in line with Vision 2030 objectives.
Source - Southern Eye
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