Bulawayo Mayor Cries Foul As Government Slashes Parking & Clamping Fees In Half

Bulawayo Mayor Slams Government Over Parking Fee Cuts

Bulawayo mayor David Coltart has cried foul after the government announced sweeping cuts to parking, clamping and tow-away fees — a move welcomed by motorists but described by the mayor as harmful to council finances.

The decision was made public on Tuesday, 9 September 2025, when Cabinet resolved to slash parking charges by half, reducing the fee from US$1 (R18) to 50 cents (R9) per hour. Clamping penalties and tow-away costs were also reduced.

Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube confirmed the changes, stating that they form part of a broader strategy to ease the cost of doing business across the country. He also revealed that the price of vehicle number plates had been reduced from US$500 (R9,000) to US$50 (R900).

Coltart raises alarm

Mayor Coltart took to X to voice his concerns. He wrote:

“The reality of this measure, combined with the tax on commuter taxis, is that less money will now come to urban councils and more money will go to central government.”

Coltart argued that the move would squeeze the already struggling Bulawayo City Council, which has been under pressure due to its partnership with Tendy Three Investments (TTI). The private company manages parking in the city centre under a deal signed in 2020 and implemented in 2022.

Under the arrangement, motorists paid US$1 (approximately R18) per hour for parking. Cars without valid tickets or parked improperly were fined US$40 (R720), which included a US$10 (R180) clamping fee.

Bulawayo Council has been receiving just 30 per cent of all revenue collected, while TTI has been pocketing the remaining 70 per cent.

Residents cheer decision

The fee cut has been warmly received by motorists who have long complained about the high charges.

Zimbabwe Media Commission commissioner Aleck Ncube questioned the fairness of the city’s deal with TTI. He wrote on X:

“If @CityofBulawayo is getting 25 cents per dollar, it can still get its share from the reduced parking fees. Why have an agreement which favours some private entity which invested absolutely nothing in the first place? … The public outcry has been loud and clear. Kudos to central government for listening.”

Another X user echoed the sentiment, saying:

“So many people now avoid parking within the CBDs. Most formal businesses are running from the CBDs to the outskirts and we need to stop seeing fines as revenue lines.”

Controversial partnership

Between January 1 and May 31 of last year, TTI remitted just over US$1.5 million (approximately R27 million) to the council. Its own share during the same period was more than double that figure.

The contract is set to run until December 2027, with the option to extend for an additional four years. Many residents have called for its cancellation, arguing it has been exploitative. Coltart campaigned for mayor, promising to review the deal, which has remained one of the most contentious issues in Bulawayo.

His sharp reaction to the latest government directive has deepened debate, with residents celebrating the cuts while City Hall braces for tighter revenues.