Mafume Under Fire as Documents Reveal Mabelreign SME Project Had Council Approval

HARARE – Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume is facing mounting scrutiny after official documents revealed that a demolished small business structure at Mabelreign Shopping Centre had in fact, been approved by the Harare City Council. The latest developments contradict earlier claims that Ward 16 councillor Denford Ngadziore acted unlawfully in spearheading the construction of tuckshops intended for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The structures, which were demolished over the weekend on the mayor’s orders, were initially described by city authorities as illegal developments built without approved plans and on designated parking spaces. However, newly surfaced documents indicate that the project had undergone formal council processes and received official sanction.

According to correspondence seen by Southerton Business Times, Cartin Mark Up Investments, trading as Arise & Shine, submitted a proposal on 19 December 2025 to construct a “temporary market facility” at Mabelreign Shopping Centre.

“This project is intended as a donation to the City of Harare to support council’s efforts in urban renewal and SME management,” reads part of the application letter.

The proposal reportedly passed through multiple council departments and was endorsed by senior officials between 16 and 19 February 2026. An official response dated 2 March 2026 confirms that the project was approved, subject to compliance with specified conditions. The approval letter, signed by Acting Town Clerk Phakamile Mabhena Moyo, carried backing from key technical departments, including:

• Director of Works, Isaiah Chawatama

• Acting Director of Urban Planning Samuel Nyabezi

• Director of Housing and Community Services Admore Nhekairo

Urban planning experts say such approvals typically require rigorous internal review, raising questions about the basis for the demolition.

“If a project has gone through the full council approval chain, reversing it without due process creates governance and legal concerns,” said Harare-based urban governance analyst, Dr. Liberty Muchengeti.

The temporary facility was designed to accommodate traders during planned renovations at the shopping centre, while also reducing congestion caused by informal trading on pavements and verandas. Councillor Ngadziore, who chairs the council’s SMEs committee, had positioned the project as part of broader efforts to formalise small businesses and improve urban order.

Local traders expressed frustration over the demolition.

“We were told this was a council-approved project meant to help us operate legally. Now everything has been destroyed,” said one affected vendor.

The revelations have triggered debate over governance and accountability within council structures, with critics questioning why Mayor Mafume publicly distanced himself from the project. It remains unclear why the mayor suggested that Ngadziore had acted independently and unlawfully, despite documented approvals from Town House.

Legal experts warn that the dispute could expose the city to potential liability.

“Demolishing an approved structure may open the door to compensation claims if due process was not followed,” said Harare lawyer Takudzwa Gwatidzo.

The controversy adds to ongoing tensions within the city council over urban planning, informal trading, and the management of SMEs in Harare.

Harare City Council Mabelreign demolition