The City of Windhoek has given notice to the vendors trading along Mandume Ndemufayo Street opposite the University of Namibia (UNAM) to vacate before July 12 this year.

The group spokesperson, Klemens Ishindwa, explained that the City of Windhoek's decision will affect them greatly, and they are thus seeking a fair hearing.

"Our hope is for us to have a sit-down with the City of Windhoek and the Ministry of Rural and Urban Development; that is our main goal at this point in time to sit down with them and talk about the way forward because we want for them to allocate this place for it to be a trading site."

They are not the only ones affected by the municipality's decision; there are also students who buy food from the vendors.

UNAM's SRC Secretary for Community Development and Gender, George Nghaamwa, emphasised that the issue has nothing to do with the university but rather the City of Windhoek.

However, as a student representative and given that students are affected, they are going to deliberate on the matter.

In light of the high unemployment rate, Nghaamwa has also appealed to the City of Windhoek to give the vendors a chance to make money so that they can provide for their families.

The Public Relations Officer of the City of Windhoek, Lydia Amutenya, says the residents of the new Academia Residential Area petitioned the municipality complaining about difficulties they encounter, such as vendors operating there illegally and too much movement.