02 Dec 2025

Gaborone City Council has intensified its crackdown on illegal operations as city leadership reiterates growing frustration over non-compliance with municipal and national laws.

The Mayor, Mr Oarabile Motlaleng, told the full council meeting on Monday that illegal trading, unlicensed manufacturing, and breaches of public health and child-care regulations were among the most persistent challenges facing the city.

He reported that 13 non-citizens were charged for violating the council’s hawking and street-vending bye-laws, saying these demonstrated the municipality’s firm stance on regulating informal trade within its jurisdiction.

In a separate enforcement action, seven individuals were charged for operating manufacturing businesses without an industrial licence, in violation of Section 6 of the Industrial Development Act.

Food safety inspections also revealed 19 cases involving unhygienic preparation and handling of food, which he described as a serious public health concern. 

Mr Motlaleng stressed that traders and food handlers must prioritise cleanliness and strict adherence to hygiene principles, adding that council teams would continue to educate both vendors and consumers on safety standards.

He said they would continue to sensitise the public and build a culture of vigilance and compliance, adding that responsible trading protected the community and strengthened the environment.

Child-care services were not spared from scrutiny, as eight day-care centres were charged for operating contrary to Section 97 (1) of the Children’s Act, which governs registration and conduct of child-care facilities. The Mayor emphasised that adherence to the Act was non-negotiable to safeguard children’s welfare.

Speaking broadly to the business sector, Mr Motlaleng urged continued legal compliance, warning that failure to meet regulatory obligations compromised public well-being.

“We urge the business community to consistently adhere to the provisions of the law to ensure compliance and contribute positively to the environment in which we operate. Upholding these regulations not only promotes responsible business practices but also safeguards the health and well-being of our community,” he said.

The council also registered eight cases of urinating in public, an offence under the Sanitation and Public Health Bye-laws. 

These incidents, he noted, pointed to declining public hygiene discipline and the need for renewed awareness campaigns. ENDS