Rundu eviction order leaves vendors in limbo

Rundu vendors selling their wares along the area between Dunns and PEP stores at a private shopping centre face an uncertain future after receiving a notice to vacate the premises by 31 March.

The move, confirmed in an official letter dated 5 March and signed by Rundu CEO Olavi Nathanael, was reportedly prompted by the property owners, who withdrew permission for informal trading within the shopping complex.

Vendors were advised to relocate to municipal markets at Kehemu, Rundu and Sauyemwa, where spaces are available.

The directive has left traders anxious about their livelihoods.

Mahenga Johannes, who has been selling at the site since 2016, said the news has been devastating. “I graduated in 2023 and could not find a job. This side of PEP is the only way I can provide for my kids and my parents. The news from the head office has been affecting us, and we don’t know where to go. This is serious,” he said.

The town council warned that any vendor found trading at the private shopping complex after 31 March will face enforcement action, including fines in accordance with the Local Authorities Act, 1992, and the council’s informal trading regulations.

Alleged lack of consultation

Last week, Rundu councillor and Affirmative Repositioning member Patrick Kufuna claimed that councillors were not consulted prior to the decision.

“The councillors were not aware of this decision until we received those emails,” Kufuna said, adding that most councillors do not agree with the eviction notice.

“They are supposed to consult us – we cannot just move people like that,” he said, expressing frustration over what he described as administrative overreach.

Kufuna also highlighted a lack of clarity on the relocation process.

“We don’t know how these things are being done. The next steps are yet to be addressed,” he told Namibian Sun.

Private property

In response, Nathanael said the eviction was not a decision of the council but a result of the property owner requesting that vendors vacate the premises.

“It is private property, and the owner reported that people were disturbing… the business,” he said.

He explained that council’s role was limited to relaying the instruction and coordinating with vendor committees. Nathanael also noted that designated trading areas exist and that vendors will be consulted to confirm proper arrangements.