The area is opposite the site where Harare businessman Alex Mashamhanda was constructing a service station and food court, a project which has since been stopped following an instruction from local government Minister Ignatius Chombo.
The site has been named Shawasha Corporative and the majority of stalls have Zanu (PF) flags flying high.
No council dues
One stall owner said the project had the full backing of the party’s senior officials in Harare. The Zanu (PF) youth, who identified himself as Danny, said the project was an initiative of party members from Matapi and Shawasha hostels but has grown to include others from Epworth.
He revealed that unlike traders at places such as Magaba and Mupedzanhamo, the traders at Shawasha cooperative were not remitting any revenue to the Harare City Council.
He said that due to their association with Zanu (PF), they had become immune to council raids which are common in the area.
“We do not pay anything to council because our association with Zanu (PF) makes us immune from that. We only pay $1 every Saturday of the month which goes towards paying the security guys who guard our wares during the night.
So we only pay $4 per month and nothing goes to the council,” said Danny.
Card-carrying members
He also revealed that one had to be a Zanu (PF) card-carrying member in order to be allocated a place at the Shawasha Corporative.
“All the people trading here are card carrying members of Zanu (PF). For one to be eligible to trade here, you have to undergo a vetting process which is conducted by the youth leadership. But in your case (The Zimbabwean reporter) it’s easier because I have influence here,” he said.
According to the youth, traders hold meetings every Wednesday where they appraise each other on political developments in the area and talk about the need to drum up support for Zanu (PF) in Mbare.
“You do not need to worry about any eviction here. This project has the backing of the party and we have been given assurances that we will not be displaced,” said Danny.
The boy admitted that some powerful Zanu (PF) figures at the area owned several stalls that they are subletting.
“I own three market stalls here and if you say (The Zimbabwean reporter) you need a place to do your business, I will charge you $20 per month plus the $4 to pay the security guys,” he said.
Combi rank
In addition to the market stalls, the Zanu (PF) youths at the Shawasha Corporative have set up a rank for commuter omnibuses plying the Mbare Epworth route.
Interviewed drivers said they were paying money to the Zanu (PF) youths to use the rank.
“We pay $2 every time we load here. The money is collected by Zanu (PF) youths who command this area,” said a driver who requested anonymity for fear of victimisation.
Zanu (PF) youths linked to the Chipangano militia are known for their rampages when they grab property and land in Mbare. Last week, the party’s Harare Provincial Chairman, Amos Midzi, told The Zimbabwean that Chipangano had been disbanded. However, the evidence on the ground casts doubt over Midzi’s claims.
Post published in: News