City of Bulawayo postpones launch of Operation Hlanzeka
The City of Bulawayo has postponed the launch of Operation Hlanzeka, a campaign aimed at removing informal traders operating in unauthorised areas, to allow more consultations with affected groups.
In a public notice issued on Tuesday, Town Clerk Christopher Dube said the operation, which had been scheduled to begin on 1 November 2026, has been put on hold with immediate effect.
Dube said the city wants to engage further with traders, small businesses and other stakeholders before proceeding. The operation is now expected to resume in about two weeks.
The postponement gives informal traders more time to move from undesignated trading spots to officially approved areas. Traders are also being urged to remove illegal structures and relocate their goods before enforcement begins.
While acknowledging the important role played by micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in supporting livelihoods, the council said trading on pavements, parking bays, road servitudes and other unauthorised locations remains against city by-laws.
The local authority stressed that all traders should comply with council regulations by moving their businesses to designated trading sites.
Dube urged affected traders to cooperate with council officials during the transition period to ensure what he described as a smooth relocation process.
