Munch n Sip, a food, drink and music jamboree is the latest event to be impacted, with the City of Bulawayo ceasing operations at the Harry Allen Golf Club, citing non-compliance with a council lease dating back to 1960.
The event was held in Bulawayo on April 20, with scheduled headliners Mokoomba.
This incident occured in the wake of the Queens Sports club’s ban on the Bulawayo Shutdown event, also attributed to the 65-year-old lease.
The event organisers put out a press statement explaining why the event was ended prematurely.
“Despite our best efforts to comply with all regulations and ensure a successful production, we were unfortunately instructed to cease operations under the authority of certain City of Bulawayo by-laws and permit restrictions,” read the statement.
“We understand the confusion, frustration, and loss this caused many of you — especially those who travelled far, invested time and resources, or were affected financially by the interruptions.
“For that, we offer our deepest and most sincere apologies.
“It is disheartening that at a time when the arts, food, and events industries are striving to build sustainable livelihoods and grow Zimbabwe's cultural economy, such obstacles continue to present themselves in ways that feel discouraging and misaligned with the spirit of progress.”
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Recently, the City of Bulawayo banned all musical events at Queens Sports Club, referencing breaches of a 1960 lease agreement.
The announcement came amidst public discussion regarding the “Bulawayo Shutdown” concert.
In a notice, town clerk Christopher Dube said: “The City of Bulawayo has advised the Queens Sports Club lease holders that no live shows are permitted on the lease premises unless authorised by the council upon application. The city has in the past served previous notices regarding the holding of night parties which disturb the local community.”
“The above conditions are in accordance with the notarial agreement of lease which was entered into between the City of Bulawayo and Queens Sports Club on the 1st September 1960.”
Similar disputes have arisen at other sporting venues in Bulawayo.
The Khumalo Hockey Stadium has also been a subject of controversy regarding its use for musical shows.
Concerns have been raised about noise pollution, damage to the playing surface, and the impact on sporting activities.
Bulawayo mayor David Coltart, has been vocal about the need to protect sporting venues from misuse.
He has advocated for regulations to restrict the use of these venues for non-sporting events, emphasising the importance of preserving them for their intended purpose.
His moves to block musical shows stem from the desire to protect sporting facilities and to ensure that they are avalible for the sporting activities that they were designed for.
