By Melisa Munzvandi
THE Municipality of Beitbridge (MoB) has invited property owners and residents operating private accommodation to register with them ahead of a major event set for September 23 to 25, 2026.
The move is designed to have on record the border town’s existing hospitality infrastructure, MoB issued an invitation for the official registration.
In a statement issued on September 4, 2026 notice number 35/2026, Town Clerk Loud Ramakgapola said the registration drive is part of a broader local government effort to standardise and expand the town’s regulated hospitality capacity.
MoB targeted accommodations for this formalisation exercise include self- contained residential houses and cottages, executive guest rooms, furnished apartments, and private lodges.
By bringing these independent operators into the municipal fold, the council hopes to guarantee quality control across the sector.
In the invitation Ramakgapola said aim of the initiative is to “ensure suitable, safe, and comfortable lodging for all” who visit or transit through Beitbridge.
Property owners and residents running such establishments are encouraged to engage with municipal offices and comply with the directive to regularise their operations.
Some operators are however sceptical and believe its a method of making money through licences.
“While this registration is hood for clients because MoB will inspect and demand certain standards, there is a likelihood they will require licences and raise money from the same,” said a resident who offers rooms for accommodation privately.
Because of periodic demand for accommodation by people arriving in Beitbridge to do business in the border, several lodges offer accommodation taking advantage of the departure of big hotels like Rainbow and Express by Holiday Inn.
Other old hotels are operating at half or lower capacity because of competition from new arrivals.
Beitbridge offers close to 600 rooms for overnight accommodation but the number does not match demand.