Mafume Reacts After Viral Video Shows Man Cooking Sadza in Harare CBD

A viral video showing a man cooking sadza in Harare’s central business district has sparked debate about public health and informal trading.

Jacob Mafume, the Mayor of Harare, has reacted to widespread public concern after a viral video showed a man cooking sadza in the open in the city centre.

The footage circulating on social media shows a man seated in the central business district using a gas stove to prepare a large pot of Sadza alongside a saucepan containing relish. The video sparked strong reactions online, with many residents questioning the growing presence of informal food preparation on city streets.

Mayor Calls for Possible Ban or Regulation

Responding to the controversy, Mafume said city authorities would consult with relevant stakeholders on measures to address the situation, including the possibility of regulating or banning certain forms of informal trading.

“We will consult the relevant authorities, but this calls for a complete ban on night-time trading or strict regulation of it. This type of serving food in the city centre is a serious public health risk. We have noted the economic push factors, but they do not justify this,” Mafume said.

The mayor stressed that public health and hygiene standards must remain a priority even as economic hardships push some residents into informal economic activities.

Public Debate Over City Standards

The viral clip triggered widespread debate online, with many residents lamenting what they see as a decline in the standards of Harare, once widely known as the “Sunshine City.” Some social media users argued that the normalization of open-air cooking in the central business district raises concerns about hygiene, safety, and urban management.

One user wrote:

“Someone is cooking sadza on a gas stove and selling right at Copa Cabana. The Sunshine City is gone.”

Another commenter expressed concern about public health risks, stating that law enforcement should act quickly to address food safety and taxation issues related to informal street food vending. Others, however, suggested that the situation reflects the broader economic pressures facing many residents, with informal trading becoming a key survival strategy for thousands of urban dwellers.

Economic Pressures and Informal Trading

Informal trading has grown significantly in Zimbabwe’s urban centres in recent years as unemployment and rising living costs push many citizens to seek alternative livelihoods. While such activities provide income for struggling households, they also present challenges for city authorities tasked with maintaining sanitation, public health standards, and urban order. City officials say consultations will determine whether new regulations or enforcement measures will be introduced to manage informal food vending in the CBD.

Jacob Mafume; Harare CBD; cooking sadza