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In a letter addressed to the mayor, Councillor Thaba Moyo, the organisation’s regional spokesperson, Mr Haile Hudson, said they had noted with concern the local authority’s disregard of the indigenisation policy stipulations.
“We note with utter disdain and sadness the council’s indigenisation policy stipulations especially when it comes to the retail sector,” said Mr Hudson.
He said according to the Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Act, section 21 of instrument 21 it is clear that the retail sector was specifically reserved for indigenous Zimbabweans.
“A lot of people have approached us, riled and agitated by the council’s continued issuing and renewing of retail licences to foreigners,” said Mr Hudson.
“This is a clear violation of the law. Contrary to the council’s assertion on the media that locals have not been keen to take up available space for retail purposes, these complaints reflect a different story on the ground,” said Mr Hudson.
The organisation also called for the local authority to cancel or withdraw any illegal licences that have been issued to foreigners.
“Failure for such to happen will see youths mobilising themselves and forcibly closing the shops and effecting citizens’ arrest on operators, occupiers and accomplices of those who are disregarding the Indigenisation Act,” said Mr Hudson.
Clr Moyo was said to be out of the country and his deputy, Clr Amen Mpofu said the local authority has an open door policy.
“We are open to working with anyone, both locals and foreigners. In any case they (Inotho Kwabatsha/ Upfumi Kuvadiki) should stop opening their mouths without adequate knowledge on the retail licensing processes,” said Clr Mpofu.
He said the local authority did not own any premises in the central business district (CBD).
“Those businesses are privately owned so if people want to occupy business premises they should make arrangements with the owners, not us,” said Clr Mpofu.
Online Reporter