Outrage As Harare City Council Demands Fee Payments For Using Parks, Including Study Groups

Outrage has erupted after reports that Harare City Council is demanding payments from residents to use public parks — including for study groups, photoshoots and video recording — with the exact fees yet to be announced.

The development sparked heated debate on social media after residents shared images of a notice posted at Harare Gardens stating that members of the public would need to pay to use the space for various activities, including wedding photos, video shoots, and study groups.

The proposal immediately triggered mixed reactions, with some residents accusing the council of overcharging ratepayers while others defended the move as necessary for maintaining public facilities.

Residents Question Paying For Public Parks

Several residents expressed concern that people were now being asked to pay for spaces they already fund through municipal rates.

Arnold Farai Bimha criticised the move, arguing that students were being unfairly targeted.

“Someone thought it a good idea to make students, who have to study in a garden because of lack of facilities, pay to sit in a park and study. Penalising students for the ineptitude of their government… we are led by the heartless.”

Another resident, Ella Suku, questioned the logic behind the proposal.

“Excuse me Jacob Mafume… aren’t Harare residents already paying for this park through taxes???? Why should they pay to use their own property??? Explain where the taxes are going???”

Other residents expressed concern that the new policy could limit access to one of the few remaining free social spaces.

One user wrote:

“This is the only place locals get to socialise free of charge under the sun? Unlike the pressures of diaspora, people have lots of time to socialise and the mayor wants to take this away from them?”

Meanwhile, another resident commented:

“Do they have surveillance teams to ask for payment or they just want to scare away photographers.”

Outrage As Harare City Council Demands Fee Payments For Using Parks, Including Study Groups

Mixed Reactions As Some Support The Move

Despite the backlash, some residents supported the idea, arguing that maintaining parks requires funding.

One social media user said:

“This practice is common worldwide. Some parks are free to use while others charge a fee that varies depending on the activities. This initiative is a positive step and is hoped to help eliminate illegal gambling, defecating and squatter camps in these parks.”

Another added:

“Those grounds are being maintained, funds are being spent to keep the place usable. People must pay.”

Study Groups Spark Strongest Backlash

The inclusion of study groups among paid activities generated the strongest reaction.

Nick Schiesman Museyamwa criticised the move, saying:

“This is a sham and a scam… Instead of focusing on improving the city, he is busy charging people who want to study in Harare Gardens.”

Other residents also linked the development to broader service delivery concerns.

One resident wrote:

“Instead yekuti vatigadzirirewo masewage kuGlenview… varikuda kuti tibhadare park futi.”
(Instead of fixing sewage in Glen View… they now want us to pay for parks as well.)

As of 26 March 2026, Harare City Council had not publicly clarified the proposed fee structure or how the policy would be implemented.