05/12/2025
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Tension is rising at the Gaborone Bus Rank as street vendors prepare to stage a protest march today, challenging a directive from the Gaborone City Council and property owners requiring them to vacate their trading spaces by the end of the month.
Speaking to local media, the vendors expressed frustration over the decision, describing it as unjust and economically damaging. Many fear the move will strip them of their primary source of income, threatening the well-being of their families and undermining years of hard work in the informal trade sector.
In contrast, the GCC maintains that the relocation is part of a broader reorganisation initiative aimed at improving order, hygiene, and safety at the busy public space. The council says the goal is to streamline operations, enforce trading compliance, and create a cleaner, more efficient environment for both vendors and commuters.
While GCC officials state they are engaging with vendors to ensure a smooth transition, the traders argue that communication has been unclear and that alternative arrangements have not been adequately provided.
As the protest approaches, this situation raises important questions about the balance between urban development and protecting livelihoods, especially within Botswanaβs vibrant informal economy.
African Trade Magazine will continue to follow this story and report on how these developments may impact informal traders, urban policy, and the local business ecosystem.
πΈGaborone City Council
