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Leonard Ncube
Victoria Falls Reporter
THABANI Mhlanga Complex, a new shopping area in Victoria Falls, is quickly transforming into a one-stop hub for traders and residents of the resort city and its surrounding areas, adding vibrancy to the local business scene.
Situated to the east of Chinotimba Old Market, the complex comprises six blocks of shops (Block A to Block F), separated by internal roads. These blocks house a diverse array of businesses, including general dealer shops, clothing stores, grocery shops, salons, welding workshops, and restaurants.
The complex owes its origins to the aftermath of the 2005 Operation Murambatsvina, which led to the destruction of makeshift shops. Small and medium enterprise (SME) traders who lost their premises petitioned the Victoria Falls City Council for land to construct formal shops. Although the council initially planned for businesses of the same type—such as carvers, welders, and tuck shops—to be grouped together, the varying needs of individual owners resulted in a broader mix of enterprises.
Thabani Mhlanga Complex has since become an important business hub, reducing congestion in the central business district and bringing services closer to residents. It also complements the city’s tourism-driven economy by offering diverse services to both residents and visitors.
The location is particularly convenient for residents of Chinotimba, who can walk to the complex rather than travel to the city centre. Visitors from outside Victoria Falls also benefit from its proximity to a major drop-off point.
“This complex is a good business area and strategically located, with potential depending on the type of business. Proper marketing and advertising can make it even better,” said Mr Jabulani Muzamba, chairperson of the complex.
While Mr Muzamba could not specify the exact number of businesses operating on the site, he emphasised the importance of the complex’s accessibility to the market.
Business operators at the complex have formed a committee to represent their interests and are appealing to the council to improve infrastructure, particularly by adding individual toilets for each shop. The current design includes only public toilets, which they find inadequate.
A tailor operating at Old Market praised the council for the location, noting that it provides excellent business opportunities. She mentioned that on a good day, she receives numerous orders and clients.
The opening of Thabani Mhlanga Complex has not significantly impacted other markets in the area, such as the Old Market Vegetable Market.
Mr Ian Dube, chairperson of the Old Market Vegetable Market, stated that their customer base remains distinct.
“We sell vegetables and dried goods. Business is slow because of Zambian hawkers, and we’ve been urging the council to reduce the US$20 monthly fee,” he said.
Informal traders in Victoria Falls have long voiced concerns about Zambian hawkers, who sell goods door-to-door without paying licence fees or rent to the council.
Thabani Mhlanga Complex is one of several shopping centres in Victoria Falls, including Old Market, Comesa Market (commonly known as Emaplankeni), Trade Centre, Ngqondongqondo, Sinemane, KoBusi Shopping Centre, Mukali, Moringa, Pay Less, and Seven 11.
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