Mutare is the fourth largest city in
ZimbabweZimbabwe is a landlocked country located in the southern part of the African continent, between the Zambezi and Limpopo rivers. It is bordered by South Africa to the south, Botswana to the southwest, Zambia and a tip of Namibia to the northwest and Mozambique to the east. Zimbabwe has three...
, with a population of around 170,000. It is the capital of
ManicalandManicaland is a province of Zimbabwe. It has an area of and a population of approximately 1.6 million . Mutare is the capital of the province. -Background:...
province.
History
Mutare was founded in 1897 as a fort, about 8 km from the border with
MozambiqueMozambique, officially the Republic of Mozambique , is a country in southeastern Africa bordered by the Indian Ocean to the east, Tanzania to the north, Malawi and Zambia to the northwest, Zimbabwe to the west and Swaziland and South Africa to the southwest...
, and is just 290 km from the Mozambican port of
BeiraBeira is the second largest city in Mozambique. It lies in the central region of the country in Sofala Province, where the Pungue River meets the Indian Ocean. Beira had a population of 412,588 in 1997, which grew to an estimated 546,000 in 2006...
, earning Mutare the title of "Zimbabwe's Gateway to the Sea". It is sometimes also called "Gateway to the Eastern Highlands". Many Zimbabwean locals refer to it as 'Kumakomoyo' (place of many mountains).There is a border railway station on the railway line from
HarareHarare before 1982 known as Salisbury) is the largest city and capital of Zimbabwe. It has an estimated population of 1,600,000, with 2,800,000 in its metropolitan area . Administratively, Harare is an independent city equivalent to a province. It is Zimbabwe's largest city and its...
to Beira with a railways mechanical work shop.
The area was the site of Chief Mutasa's
kraalKraal is an Afrikaans and Dutch word for an enclosure for cattle or other livestock, located within an African settlement or village surrounded by a palisade, mud wall, or other fencing, roughly circular in form.In the Dutch language a kraal is a term derived from the Portuguese word , cognate...
. In 1890 A.R. Coquhoun was given concessionary rights and Fort Umtali (the fort later became Mutare) was established between the Tsambe and Mutare Rivers. The word mutare originates from the word 'Utare' meaning gold. The name was probably given to the river as a result of
goldGold is a chemical element with the symbol Au and an atomic number of 79. Gold is a dense, soft, shiny, malleable and ductile metal. Pure gold has a bright yellow color and luster traditionally considered attractive, which it maintains without oxidizing in air or water. Chemically, gold is a...
being discovered in the
PenhalongaPenhalonga is a village in the province of Manicaland, Zimbabwe located 18 km north of Mutare in a valley where the Sambi and Imbeza Rivers meet the Mutare River. According to the 1982 Population Census, the village had a population of 4,477. Ancient gold workings have been found in the area....
valley through which the Mutare River runs. In 1891 the location was moved to a site now known as Old Mutare, about 14 km north of the city centre. In 1896 the construction of the railway between
BeiraBeira is the second largest city in Mozambique. It lies in the central region of the country in Sofala Province, where the Pungue River meets the Indian Ocean. Beira had a population of 412,588 in 1997, which grew to an estimated 546,000 in 2006...
and
BulawayoBulawayo is the second largest city in Zimbabwe after the capital Harare, with an estimated population in 2010 of 2,000,000. It is located in Matabeleland, 439 km southwest of Harare, and is now treated as a separate provincial area from Matabeleland...
led to the town being moved a third time so that it was closer to the railway line - compensation was paid by the
British South Africa CompanyThe British South Africa Company was established by Cecil Rhodes through the amalgamation of the Central Search Association and the Exploring Company Ltd., receiving a royal charter in 1889...
to the townspeople for the cost of moving. The town was proclaimed a municipality in 1914 and in 1971 it was granted city status. The name was officially changed from Umtali to Mutare in 1982.
Climate
Despite its tropical location, the city has a temperate climate. The average annual temperature is 19
oC, surprisingly low for its moderate altitude (about the same as
HarareHarare before 1982 known as Salisbury) is the largest city and capital of Zimbabwe. It has an estimated population of 1,600,000, with 2,800,000 in its metropolitan area . Administratively, Harare is an independent city equivalent to a province. It is Zimbabwe's largest city and its...
which is 360 metres higher.) This is due to its sheltered position against the mountain ridge of Cecil Kop which encourages cool breezes from lower altitude to the east and south. The coldest month is July (minimum 6
oC and maximum 20
oC) and the hottest month is January (minimum 16
oC and maximum 26
oC), although as in much of Zimbabwe, October has the hottest days (28
oC). The annual rainfall is 818 mm. Rain falls mostly in the months December to February although heavy showers are possible before and after this period. The wettest month on record was January 1926 which received 580 mm while January 1991 received only 24 mm.
Location
The town lies north of the
Bvumba MountainsThe Bvumba Mountains or Vumba Mountains lie on the Zimbabwe-Mozambique border, approximately 25 km south east of Mutare. The Bvumba rise to Castle Beacon at 1911 metres, and are, together with the Chimanimani and Nyanga part of the Eastern Highlands in Zimbabwe bordering Mozambique...
and south of the Imbeza Valley. It is home to the
Mutare MuseumMutare Museum is a museum in Mutare, Zimbabwe. It is one of the four national museums of Zimbabwe and was initially established as a society in 1954 before becoming a national museum in 1959....
, the Utopia House Museum dedicated to
Kingsley FairbridgeKingsley Ogilvie Fairbridge was the founder of a child emigration scheme to British colonies and the Fairbridge Schools...
, the
National Gallery of ZimbabweThe National Gallery of Zimbabwe is a gallery in Harare, Zimbabwe, dedicated to the presentation and conservation of Zimbabwe’s contemporary art and visual heritage...
, Murahwa Hill, known for its rock paintings and
Iron AgeThe Iron Age is the archaeological period generally occurring after the Bronze Age, marked by the prevalent use of iron. The early period of the age is characterized by the widespread use of iron or steel. The adoption of such material coincided with other changes in society, including differing...
village, Cross Kopje with a memorial to Zimbabweans and Mozambicans killed in
World War IWorld War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
and a
nature reserveA nature reserve is a protected area of importance for wildlife, flora, fauna or features of geological or other special interest, which is reserved and managed for conservation and to provide special opportunities for study or research...
. It is also home to the Africa University, a pan-African United Methodist funded university of about 1,200 students.
Mutare is served by rail with daily passenger and freight links to the towns of
NyazuraNyazura is a village in the province of Manicaland, Zimbabwe located 72 km north west of Mutare on the main road and railway linking Harare and Mutare. The phosphate from Dorowa are handled by the railways here....
,
RusapeRusape is a town in the province of Manicaland, Zimbabwe with a population of around 20,000 , situated on the Harare-Mutare main road, approximately 170 km south east of Harare and 93 km north west of Mutare. Rusape is a large, sprawling town that has not quite reached city status...
and
HarareHarare before 1982 known as Salisbury) is the largest city and capital of Zimbabwe. It has an estimated population of 1,600,000, with 2,800,000 in its metropolitan area . Administratively, Harare is an independent city equivalent to a province. It is Zimbabwe's largest city and its...
.
Population
The population is predominantly
ShonaShona is the name collectively given to two groups of people in the east and southwest of Zimbabwe, north eastern Botswana and southern Mozambique.-Shona Regional Classification:...
, the majority of them speaking the Manyika dialect. Manyika people are locally known as Samanyikas and nicknamed Wasu. According to the 2002 preliminary census data, Mutare has a population of 170,106. This marks a rapid increase from a population of 69,621 in 1982 and 131,367 in 1992.
Suburbs
Mutare, like most cities in Zimbabwe, classifies residential suburbs according to the population density. The most upscale suburbs (low-density suburbs) such as Fairbridge Park, Murambi, Morningside and Tiger's Kloof are located on the north end of the city along the foothills, while Palmerston, Darlington, Greenside and Bordervale are east of the city center, near the border with Mozambique. In the west are the medium-density suburbs of Yeovil, Westsley and Florida, as well as the high density Chikanga, which was constructed in phases beginning in the late eighties. South of the railway track lies the high-density suburb of Sakubva, which contains nearly half of the city's population despite an area of less than four square miles. Sakubva is the poorest of Mutare's suburbs, and its economy is centred around a large outdoor food and flea market.
Several miles to the south, hidden from view from the rest of the city by a series of hills, is the high-density suburb of Dangamvura. The low-density areas of Weirmouth and Fern valley are also on the southern outskirts of the city; in these areas residential lots exceed an acre, and market gardening is an economic activity.
Further to the south along the road to Masvingo and outside the city limits is the high-density town of Zimunya. Mutare's main industrial areas are south of the railway and west of Sakubva, although there is also some light industry just east of the southern part of the city centre.
These are some of the suburbs of Harare.
| Region |
Suburbs |
| Northern (North of the railway line) |
Fairbridge Park; Murambi; Morningside; Tiger's Kloof; Palmerston; Avenues; Utopia; Darlington; Greenside; Yeovil; Westlea; Florida; Chikanga; Toronto |
| Southern (South of the railway line) |
Sakubva; Dangamvura; Weirmouth; Fern valley; Zimunya. |
Education
Mutare is home to schools and tertiary institutions:
Primary Education:
- Baring Primary School,
- Chancellor,
- Mutare Junior School,
- Hillcrest Preparatory School (Private school).
Secondary Education:
- Hartzell,
- St Augustine's,
- Mutare Boys High School,
- Mutare Girls High School,
- Mutambara High School,
- St Dominics.
- Hillcrest College (Private school).
- Sakubva High School
Sakubva High School is a day school located within Sakubva high density township in Mutare, Zimbabwe. Formerly Sakubva Secondary School but now called Sakubva High School , it is also referred to as Sakubva 1 High School. It is the oldest secondary school in Sakubva township. It produced a number...
Tertiary Institutions:
- Africa University,
- Mutare Teachers College,
- Marymount Teachers College.
Economy
The main activities of the area are
citrusCitrus is a common term and genus of flowering plants in the rue family, Rutaceae. Citrus is believed to have originated in the part of Southeast Asia bordered by Northeastern India, Myanmar and the Yunnan province of China...
farming,
miningMining is the extraction of valuable minerals or other geological materials from the earth, from an ore body, vein or seam. The term also includes the removal of soil. Materials recovered by mining include base metals, precious metals, iron, uranium, coal, diamonds, limestone, oil shale, rock...
,
agricultureAgriculture is the cultivation of animals, plants, fungi and other life forms for food, fiber, and other products used to sustain life. Agriculture was the key implement in the rise of sedentary human civilization, whereby farming of domesticated species created food surpluses that nurtured the...
,
hospitalityHospitality is the relationship between guest and host, or the act or practice of being hospitable. Specifically, this includes the reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers, resorts, membership clubs, conventions, attractions, special events, and other services for travelers...
and
cattleCattle are the most common type of large domesticated ungulates. They are a prominent modern member of the subfamily Bovinae, are the most widespread species of the genus Bos, and are most commonly classified collectively as Bos primigenius...
ranching. Two of the largest food producers in Zimbabwe, Cairns Foods and
Tanganda TeaTanganda Tea is the biggest grower and producer of tea and coffee in Zimbabwe and one of the biggest tea producers in Africa. It is one of the largest food companies in Africa, and forms part of the Meikles Group, a major Zimbabwean company which also owns hotels and department stores in southern...
, have their headquarters in Mutare.
Over the past few years the city has suffered as a result of the collapse of the country's economy.
Famous residents
- British author C.W.Mercer, who wrote under the pen name Dornford Yates
Dornford Yates was the pseudonym of the British novelist, Cecil William Mercer , whose novels and short stories, some humorous , some thrillers , were best-sellers in the 21-year interwar period between the First and Second world wars.The pen name, Dornford Yates, first in print in 1910, resulted...
lived near the city from 1948 until his death in 1960.
- Donal Lamont
Bishop Donal Lamont was an Irish-Rhodesian Catholic bishop and a Roman Catholic missionary to Africa who was best known for his fight against white minority rule in Rhodesia .-Early days:...
, Catholic bishop of Umtali/Mutare 1957-82, was an outspoken opponent of the Ian SmithIan Douglas Smith GCLM ID was a politician active in the government of Southern Rhodesia, the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, Rhodesia, Zimbabwe Rhodesia and Zimbabwe from 1948 to 1987, most notably serving as Prime Minister of Rhodesia from 13 April 1964 to 1 June 1979...
regime; he was expelled from Rhodesia in 1977 after a high-profile trial.
- Douglas Rogers
Douglas Rogers is a Zimbabwean journalist, travel writer and memoirist.-Background:He was born and raised in Umtali, Rhodesia to Lyn, a lawyer and Rosalind, a drama teacher. He grew up on heavily fortified chicken and grape farms during the Rhodesian Bush War with his three sisters...
, a journalist and memoirist was born in the city in 1968 and raised there.
- Arthur Mutambara
Arthur Guseni Oliver Mutambara is a Zimbabwean politician. He became the President of the Movement for Democratic Change-Mutambara faction in February 2006. He has worked as the Managing Director and CEO of Africa Technology and Business Institute since September 2003...
, born 25 May 1966. He became Deputy Prime Minister of Zimbabwe on 11 February 2009, under the September 2008 power-sharing agreement.
- Onismor Bhasera
Onismor Bhasera is a Zimbabwean footballer who plays as a defender for Plymouth Argyle. He has been capped at international level by Zimbabwe, and is also adept at playing as a midfielder.-Early life and career:...
- Soccer star now playing for Plymouth Argyle Football Club in England.
- Tichafa Samuel Parirenyatwa
Doctor Tichafa Samuel Parirenyatwa , born in Rusape, Manicaland; grew up in Sakubva township, Mutare, Manicaland. Dr Tichafa Parirenyatwa was Zimbabwe’s first black medical doctor, and the first Vice-President of ZAPU...
Dr. (1927-1962) - Zimbabwe's first black medical.
- Herbert Chitepo
Herbert Wiltshire Chitepo led the Zimbabwe African National Union until he was assassinated on March 1975. Although his murderer remains unidentified, the Rhodesian author Peter Stiff says that a former British SAS soldier, Hugh Hind was responsible.Chitepo became the first black citizen of...
- Zimbabwe's first black lawyer.
- Supa Mandiwanzira
Supa Mandiwanzeera is the President of the Affirmative Action Group in Zimbabwe.Having started his career working in financial print media, he subsequently moved to the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation, ZBC for five years as a business and financial reporter before enrolling in a Masters Degree...
- Edgar Tekere
Edgar Zivanai Tekere was a Zimbabwean politician. He was a president of the Zimbabwe African National Union who organised the party during the Lancaster House talks and served in government before his popularity as a potential rival to Robert Mugabe caused their...
- Edgar "Two-boy" Tekere (1937 – 2011) a prominent politician.
- Genius Chidzikwe - a brilliant tennis player.
- Trevor Madondo
Trevor Nyasha Madondo was a Zimbabwean cricketer who played in 3 Tests and 13 ODIs from 1998 to 2001....
(1976-2001)- a great cricket players and was one of the first black cricket players in Zimbabwe.
- Joseph Madziba - First Resident Television News Reporter in Mutare covering Manicaland Province, first as a ZBC reporter (1985-1996), and later as an independent television producer (1996-2001).
- Lawrence Mudehwe
Alderman Lawrence Dambudzo Mudehwe is a former mayor of Mutare. He is the first Executive Mayor to be elected as an independent candidate in Zimbabwe. He served as Executive mayor for thirteen years. - External links :*...
- The first Executive Mayor to be elected as an independent candidate in Zimbabwe. He served for two terms as mayor.
- Hosiah Chipanga - a controversial musician.
- Bjorn Mordt
Bjorn Haaken David Mordt is a Zimbabwean cricketer. Mordt is a right-handed batsman who bowls right-arm medium pace. He was born at Mutare, Manicaland Province....
(born 1978) - cricketer
Sister cities
HaarlemHaarlem is a municipality and a city in the Netherlands. It is the capital of the province of North Holland, the northern half of Holland, which at one time was the most powerful of the seven provinces of the Dutch Republic...
,
NetherlandsThe Netherlands is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, located mainly in North-West Europe and with several islands in the Caribbean. Mainland Netherlands borders the North Sea to the north and west, Belgium to the south, and Germany to the east, and shares maritime borders...
PortlandPortland is a city located in the Pacific Northwest, near the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers in the U.S. state of Oregon. As of the 2010 Census, it had a population of 583,776, making it the 29th most populous city in the United States...
,
USAThe United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
(since 1991)
External links