By Ndumiso Tshuma
Pumula South residents are calling on the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) to reclaim control of a local bar that has been closed for several weeks, saying its shutdown has disrupted essential community services and gatherings.
The bar, formerly run by the council, served not only as a social hub but also provided vital support during funerals, including access to benches, space for cooking meals, and use of public toilets. Its closure has left a gap in the community, residents say.
“The place helped us a lot during funerals,” said Hlengiwe Mahlangu, a resident. “We used to borrow benches, gather there, and prepare food for mourners. Now, everything has stopped.”
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Mahlangu added that the situation worsened after the bar’s management was handed over to Ingwebu Breweries, which began leasing it out to private operators. “It was better when the City Council ran it. Since Ingwebu took over, things have only gone downhill.”
The closure has also affected local vendors, particularly due to the lack of functioning toilets.
“People are now urinating near our stalls because there are no working toilets. It’s embarrassing and unhygienic. We just want the place reopened and run properly,” Mahlangu said.
Another resident, Ntombizodwa Ndebele, said the bar had evolved into more of a community centre than a drinking spot.
“Our elders used to meet there every day. Now, they have no place to sit, talk, or rest,” she said. “We want the council to run this bar again. At least when they were in charge, things worked. Now, everything is done for profit, not for the people.”
Ingwebu Breweries, once a council-run entity, was privatised in recent years to allow BCC to focus on its core municipal duties. The change also aimed to attract private investment to modernise Ingwebu’s operations.
While outlets like the one in Pumula South continue to generate revenue, residents argue that profits are not being reinvested into the community.
They are now urging the City Council to reclaim direct control of local bars and use the proceeds to improve service delivery and infrastructure in under-resourced areas.
Responding to the complaints, Ingwebu Breweries Sales and Distribution Manager, Sebastian Sibelo, acknowledged the concerns and said steps were being taken to resolve them.
“We are in the process of contacting our officials and informing them about the situation. There is still an issue being finalised with the current leaseholder,” said Sibelo.
He also addressed the sanitation concerns: “Regarding the toilets, there is a possibility they may be reopened this Friday.”
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