President commissions Mbare Musika Market

All eyes are on the newly-built Mbare Musika Market, which is set to be commissioned by President Mnangagwa this morning, thereby setting a benchmark for modern and affordable trading in Harare.

Purposefully designed from the ground up, this state-of-the-art facility offers a clean, secure, and well-organised space that meets the needs of today’s vendors and customers.

Our Reporter Zvamaida Murwira is in Mbare and will provide live coverage for the event.

New dawn for Mbare vendors

Built with functionality at its core, the market is anchored by a sustainable water supply, delivering 120 000 litres daily through drilled boreholes.

This ensures fully serviced public toilets, a washing bay for all products, and daily cleaning routines that promote hygiene and safety.

Affordability is matched with thoughtful design, with new affordable prices set to be announced on today, contrary to baseless reports suggesting that it would be beyond the reach of many.

The market features a professional waste management system, full CCTV coverage, secure parking and physical security to protect both traders and buyers.

A standout feature is the on-site micro-lending facility, which provides access to capital for small-scale traders, empowering them to grow within a structured and supportive environment.

Vetted helpers are also on hand to assist clients with their goods, adding ease and trust to the shopping experience.

Dark November

Looking back … Scenes after the November inferno

In November last year, President Mnangagwa declared a state of disaster in Mbare following an inferno that destroyed stalls and goods, directing that the area be modernised within the shortest possible time.

The devastating fire at Mbare Musika last year left many traders facing significant losses; hence, efforts to support them should be made.

With urban renewal and regeneration close to his heart, the rejuvenation of Mbare was undertaken as a prototype to be replicated nationwide.

Masimba Holdings, the main contractor for the Mbare Traders’ Market, is leading the renewal programme and is also expected to construct the main market.

Traders beam with excitement

Among those in attendance are members of the Johane Masowe Apostolic Sect whose presence is loudly announced by their glaring white garments.

Hundreds of people, mostly traders, have started to come in droves to the huge auditorium, the venue of the event.

Government Ministers, businessmen, captains of industry, Zanu PF provincial leadership have also started arriving.

 

 

Among those in attendance are members of the Johane Masowe Apostolic Sect whose presence is loudly announced by their glaring white garments.

 

 

 

Mbare Chimurenga Choir provides entertainment

 

President arrives in Mbare

 

President Mnangagwa has arrived at the Mbare market and has started touring stalls.

He will tour the market stalls before proceeding to address the crowd, mainly comprising traders.

During the tour, President Mnangagwa is accompanied by several dignitaries, including Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri Kashiri, Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe; Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere and other Cabinet Ministers. Deputy Ministers, Permanent Secretaries, Harare councillors, led by Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume, are also part of the proceedings.

Standing ovation for President Mnangagwa

President Mnangagwa has now entered the auditorium to a rousing welcome from the crowd.

He gets a standing ovation as he makes his trademark dance to Jah Prayzah’s song “Chiremerera.”

The national anthem is now being played, with Local Government and Public Works Permanent Secretary, Dr John Basera, taking over as Director of Ceremonies.

Project objectives explained

President Mnangagwa and the crowd are now being shown a video that reflects the objective of the Mbare market and how it fits into the broader thrust of the Government, particularly urban regeneration.

The video outlines the benefits of the market at micro and macro levels. It also shows how the Mbare market dovetails into the National Development Strategy 1, which seeks to transform the economy into an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.

Harare Minister welcomes President, delegates to Mbare

The Minister of State for Harare Metropolitan Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Senator Charles Tawengwa, is now on the podium to deliver his welcome remarks.

He commended President Mnangagwa for the timeous intervention to help traders following a fire outbreak that destroyed market stalls and wares late last year.

Minister Tawengwa said the Mbare market is a first-of-its-kind.

President Mnangagwa a man of his words: Harare Mayor

Mayor Mafume takes to the podium.

He thanked the President for living up to his word and constructing a state-of-the-art market.

Mayor Mafume said the City of Harare will help in the construction of Phase Two, which he said will be done expeditiously.

‘Zim’s infrastructural development impressive’

Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe, whose Ministry is behind the construction of the Mbare market, is now delivering his address.

 

He said Zimbabwe is leading in infrastructural development.

“This is the best of its kind in the region, just as we have the best Parliament in Sadc,” said Minister Garwe.

“President Mnangagwa’s vision is not only to transform Zimbabwe but the entire Sadc region.”

He said they are now moving to Phase Two, whose preparatory work is set to start tomorrow.

A variation order has been issued so that work is not impeded by procurement bottlenecks, said Minister Garwe.

Defence Minister invites President to the podium

Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri Kashiri now addressing the crowd, and her speech will culminate in the invitation of the Guest of Honour, President Mnangagwa, who will give the keynote address.

President opens market, assures traders of continued support

President Mnangagwa is now on the podium to deliver the keynote address.

He commended Harare residents for their support of Zanu PF in the 2023 elections.

“Allow me to commend you for your consistent support of the ruling party. Your support for Zanu PF, which was demonstrated in the last election, is applauded.

“Be assured that the interests of our great motherland Zimbabwe remain at the core of my Government,” said President Mnangagwa.

“Two weeks ago, I was pleased to receive vendor representatives. Vakauya kuState House ndikanwa tea navo. That engagement gave me an insight into issues that concern you.”

He said Government is ready to support SMEs in the country as they are drivers of the economy.

“The importance of SMEs in safeguarding the growth of the country cannot be overemphasised. It is one of the key pillars of the economy, contributing significantly to the growth of the Gross Domestic Product. SMEs are a key driver of the economic growth through job creation and wealth creation,” said President Mnangagwa.

He said his Government is committed to the improvement of ease of doing business.

The President urged those overseeing operations at the Mbare market not to impose steep rentals that are beyond the reach of traders.

Traders were also challenged to maintain the facilities.

Lease agreements for Mbare traders

President Mnangagwa hands over lease agreements to some of the beneficiaries of the new Mbare musika market hub.

One month rentals covered, courtesy of President Mnangagwa

President Mnangagwa handed over a bank card that has been credited to cover one month rentals for beneficiaries of the Mbare musika market.