Bunjira’s marital secrets after Brenda’s death: Akagara nemwana wevanhu for 4 years without introductions,…

📅 Published: August 26, 2025

Curated by AllZimNews.com

Their complaints include exorbitant charges, the exclusion of original beneficiaries, reduced space sizes for market stalls, and the refusal to accept rental fees in local currency. “Knowing your warm heart, we are looking forward to your usual assistance,” the letter read, directly appealing to Chiwenga for his intervention.

The letter was signed by Roderick Maposah, the Mbare retail market chairman, Josiah Rovai, the secretary, and Stephen Tsopo, a security officer.

Copies were also sent to Local Government minister Daniel Garwe, Harare Provincial Affairs minister Charles Tawengwa, and Harare mayor Jacob Mafume.

However, sources indicate that Garwe reacted with displeasure to the traders’ decision to bypass his ministry and directly approach Chiwenga.

Garwe is reportedly a key figure in Zanu PF’s 2030 agenda, a campaign aimed at extending President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s rule beyond his constitutionally mandated terms.

This agenda is seen by some as a strategy to thwart Chiwenga’s potential ascendancy to the presidency.

The traders’ woes began after Mnangagwa declared the market a state of disaster following a fire in October last year.

The president subsequently launched the “Building Back Better” reconstruction plan, awarding a contract to Masimba Holdings, a company allegedly linked to a Zanu PF benefactor, under controversial circumstances.

Garwe’s ministry, which signed the memorandum of understanding with Masimba, has faced criticism for selecting the contractor without a clear and transparent process.

Approximately 4,695 traders affected by the fire had been operating from temporary facilities, anticipating a return to their original workplaces upon completion of the new market.

However, according to the traders’ letter, only a small fraction of the original beneficiaries have been able to secure stalls in the new market, with nearly 70% allegedly sidelined by Masimba Holdings.

The private company stands accused of leveraging its financial resources to displace elderly and less privileged traders.

The traders further allege that licensing fees at the market now include a US$150 deposit on rent, a weekly rent of US$50, a US$1 fee for each visit to the toilet, and a monthly parking fee of US$240, in addition to mandatory taxes.

They argue that these charges are unaffordable for many. “The rates pegged by the private player of US$200 per month is far too high compared to the US$25 the elderly and childheaded retailers were being charged by the council,” the letter stated. “The private player strictly needs payment in foreign currency (USD) whereas the council accepted all currencies including our local Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG} currency. ”
The traders also criticised the lease conditions imposed by the private operator, deeming them “too harsh” and “naturally [not making] business sense. ” They also complained about the reduction in stall space, from the traditional 2. 5m x 2m to just 1. 2m x 1. 2m, despite an increase in monthly fees. 🔗

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