The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has stood firm on its decision to ban “odds and ends” trading in the central business district (CBD), rejecting an appeal by the Bulawayo MSMEs Working Group, which had sought a moratorium and greater consultation.
The latest council minutes show that while authorities acknowledged gaps in engagement and transition planning, the local authority resolved to proceed with the prohibition, citing the need to restore order in the city centre.
The Director of Town Planning told council that the move follows a December 3, 2025 resolution to discontinue licensing of odds and ends traders in the CBD, with existing licences only valid until expiry in 2026 and no renewals permitted.
“The move was necessitated by a public outcry on the increase of trading activities in odds and ends in front of formal shops which invariably sold the same commodities,” the report reads.
“Furthermore, there were infringements of pedestrian traffic along the pavements… Council was obliged to bring order and sanity in the CBD.”
The affected trade includes small items such as cell phone accessories, belts and sweets, commonly sold along pavements in high-traffic areas.
However, the Bulawayo MSMEs Working Group, led by chairperson Vincent Donga, argued that the decision was reached without adequate consultation and risks devastating livelihoods.
“The MSMEs Working Group notes with concern the lack of consultation regarding the decision to ban the selling of odds and ends in the CBD,” reads the appeal.
“This decision, made without engagement, undermines the goodwill and collaborative spirit that have been built over time.”
The group said licensed informal traders, many of whom have been compliant and contributing revenue, were being unfairly targeted.
“These traders have been loyal clients of the City and have been complying with existing bylaws. If there were any misdemeanours or operational challenges, the Working Group strongly believes that dialogue remains the best and most sustainable approach,” the submission states.
The appeal also raised concern over council’s proposal to move traders into formal shops, warning that rental costs are beyond the reach of most operators.
“For instance, lettable units are charging a minimum of US$200 per month… excluding a further US$200 deposit required upon occupation. In our considered view, this cost structure is beyond the disposable income of many informal traders,” the group said, adding that such a transition “would likely collapse their only source of livelihood.”
The Working Group further warned of “far-reaching socioeconomic consequences” if the ban is implemented without a phased approach, proposing a six-month moratorium to allow for dialogue and adjustment.
It also flagged policy inconsistencies, citing the unresolved situation at 5th Avenue where a previous council resolution remains unimplemented, arguing that such gaps create room for disorder and revenue losses.
Despite these concerns, several council departments backed the ban. The Health Services Department and Housing and Community Services Department both expressed support for discontinuing the trade in the CBD, while the Water and Sanitation Department agreed with the proposed way forward.
However, the Chamber Secretary acknowledged shortcomings in the process, noting that “the appeal from the working group was justified in the circumstances if at all they did not consult them before making the decision.”
“Sufficient notice should have been given to them so that they could migrate to the lettable shops,” the Chamber Secretary added, highlighting that such spaces are “in high demand and very difficult to secure,” making it unlikely that all affected traders could be absorbed.
The Town Planning Department also conceded that “the notice period was not adequate to allow for relocations and to find alternative accommodation,” describing this as “an area for improvement.”
Nevertheless, the department defended council’s actions, saying the situation at the time “needed immediate action to bring order and sanity in the central business district.”
As part of mitigation measures, council has identified alternative sites for relocation, including Site 7 near the City Hall car park, the Highlanders site, and a site at Lobengula Street and 4th Avenue. Authorities believe the three locations can accommodate affected traders.
In its final resolution, council recommended that the ban on odds and ends trading in the CBD remain in place, with such activities restricted to designated vending sites.
Council will, however, continue to renew licences for traders dealing in newspapers, periodicals, airtime and sim cards within the CBD. Informal traders holding 2025 licences have also been given the option to switch to these permitted categories.
The decision sets the stage for a continued standoff between city authorities seeking to decongest the CBD and informal traders fighting to preserve their livelihoods, with calls for structured dialogue likely to persist.
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