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Sikhulekelani Moyo, [email protected]

BULAWAYO City Council’s (BCC) decision to remove vendors from 5th Avenue and relocate them to Bhakta’s Taxi Rank along Lobengula Street has sparked outrage among the traders, who argue that the new site is not a prime business location.

For years, the 5th Avenue Vegetable Market stretching from Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Street to Robert Mugabe Way has been the city’s hub for fresh produce.

However, it has also been a point of contention, with municipal police frequently clashing with traders over illegal operations.
According to the latest council report, councillors have resolved to disband the market and relocate all vendors operating there.
The local authority cited operational risks as the primary reason for shutting down the trading site.

Despite previous engagements with the Bulawayo Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Working Group, which proposed alternative solutions, BCC has decided to proceed with the relocation. Consequently, no licence renewals will be issued for traders at 5th Avenue this year.

In interviews yesterday, vendors fear the move will cripple their businesses and disrupt their livelihoods.
“I have been selling here for the past 30 years. This business supports my family and I pay rent, school fees, and buy food with the money I earn. Now they want to take that away from us,” said Ms Sithokozile Ncube.
She also criticised the proposed site, arguing that it lacks the necessary foot traffic to sustain their businesses.

Another trader, Mr Thabani Ndlovu, echoed her concerns.
“We heard they want to allocate us to bays at Bhakta’s, but who will buy our goods there? Very few people pass through that area, which means our sales will drop significantly.”

He suggested that if the city council insists on relocating them, they should also accommodate wholesalers of fresh produce at the new site for convenience.

BCC, in partnership with the Bulawayo Vendors and Traders Association (BVTA), Dan Church Aid, and UNDP Zimbabwe, has constructed a new market in Nkulumane to accommodate some vendors. However, traders insist that the location is unsuitable for business.

Chairperson of the National Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Advisory Council under the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises, Mr Dumisani Ncube expressed strong opposition to the move.
“I disagree with this decision. It is ill-informed and will create more problems than it solves. We cannot allow a few people to make decisions that negatively affect about 4 000 vendors. I have already scheduled a meeting with the mayor next week to discuss the way forward, involving key stakeholders, including the Minister of State,” he said.

5th Avenue Vegetable Market

Over time, 5th Avenue has evolved into an informal market where vendors sell not only fresh produce but also cooked food, groceries, second-hand clothes, and even goods from car boots.

However, concerns have been raised about poor hygiene and the sale of illegal substances such as alcohol and marijuana.
BCC has reaffirmed its stance, stating that the relocation process will proceed as planned. The council announced that traders who were licensed for 2024 will be given priority in securing spaces at the Bhaktas site, which will accommodate vendors selling fruits, vegetables, and clothing.

A statement from BCC read: “Subsequent allocations will be given to 5th Avenue traders who renewed their licenses before the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. If spaces remain available, we will consider accommodating other former 5th Avenue traders, regardless of their license renewal status.”

The council said it’s committed to prioritising the rapid development of safe workspaces at the Bhaktas site.
“The new site would strive to achieve an equitable balance among the diverse needs of MSMEs, encompassing clothing, fruits, vegetables, and various other goods,” council said.

The council said it is committed to developing safe and sustainable workspaces at the Bhaktas site. However, as of 2024, no traders had occupied the new location, despite some having made advance payments.
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