BCC rejects free venue request from King Mambo

Published: 2 hours ago

Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has turned down a request by the King Mambo Royal Council to use the Small City Hall free of charge for the royal house's upcoming celebrations. The council's decision, outlined in its latest minutes, requires the council to pay the full booking fee despite their plea for exemption.

In a letter dated September 16, King Mambo, born Mike Moyo, requested permission to use the hall on October 11, 2025, for the royal celebrations. The letter emphasized that the Mambo Royal Council, operating under the Mambo Dynasty Trust registered in 2015, has remained apolitical for the past decade and sought free access as a result.

Council policy, however, allows free use of municipal facilities only for national events such as Independence, Heroes, and Defence Forces Days. Private voluntary organizations and special needs groups are eligible for a 50 percent discount upon approval by the general purposes committee.

The council minutes indicated that, under policy, the Mambo Royal Council qualifies for a 50 percent discount. However, Deputy Mayor Edwin Ndlovu proposed that the royal council pay the full fee. Town Clerk Christopher Dube noted that a precedent existed when King Mzilikazi commemorations were granted use of the venue at half price. After further deliberation, councillors unanimously supported the deputy mayor's proposal, requiring the Mambo Royal Council to pay 100 percent of the booking fee.

King Mambo expressed disappointment at the decision, describing it as inconsistent and unfair. "We have been treated unfairly by council because it is not consistent. In 2017, they gave us a huge discount, but nevertheless, we paid the full amount of US$645," he said.

Despite the setback, King Mambo confirmed that the celebrations will proceed at a private venue on October 11.
- Southern Eye

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