City of Bulawayo Mourns Former Councillor and Business Icon Mohamed Esat

By Kudakwashe Takundwa | 29 June 2026

The City of Bulawayo and the wider business community are mourning the death of former councillor and veteran businessman Alderman Mohamed Hassen Esat, who passed away on Sunday, June 28, at the age of 80.

In a condolence message issued on Monday, the City of Bulawayo described Esat as a distinguished civic leader, entrepreneur, and philanthropist whose contribution to the city’s development spanned decades.

“He will be remembered for leaving an indelible mark in Bulawayo through his business and philanthropic work,” read part of the statement signed by Town Clerk Christopher Dube.

Mayor Senator David Coltart, councillors, council management and staff joined the Esat family and the people of Bulawayo in mourning the loss of a man whose legacy is deeply intertwined with the city’s social and economic history.

Esat served as a councillor for Ward One from 1995 to 2003, during which he sat on several key committees, including Finance and Development, Audit, Environmental Management and Engineering Services, as well as Future Water Supplies and Water Action Committees.

Beyond public office, Esat was widely known as the director of HM Esat and Sons, popularly known as Esats Stores, one of Bulawayo’s oldest and most recognisable retail businesses.

The family-owned enterprise has maintained a presence in the city for more than a century and has become synonymous with quality retail services for generations of Zimbabweans.

Over the years, Esat earned widespread respect not only for his business acumen but also for his commitment to community development and philanthropy.

Many small business owners and tenants who worked with him often described him as a mentor who supported emerging entrepreneurs and championed inclusive economic growth.

The City of Bulawayo acknowledged his contribution to employment creation, saying Esat had transformed many lives and “stood as a beacon of inclusive development.”His contributions extended beyond business and local governance.

Esat was an active supporter of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle and, at Independence in 1980, received a certificate in recognition of his role in the country’s liberation. He also served on the Local Authorities Pension Fund Board of Trustees between 1996 and 1999 and was involved in several professional bodies, including the Bulawayo Publicity Association.

In 2022, Esat was honoured with the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his immense contribution to business and community development.

“Through Esats Shops, he provided services that continue to impact Bulawayo and beyond,” the City said.The death of Alderman Esat marks the end of an era for Bulawayo.

He leaves behind a legacy of service, entrepreneurship, philanthropy and unwavering commitment to the development of the City of Kings.