Mutare
Encyclopedia
Mutare is the fourth largest city in Zimbabwe
, with a population of around 170,000. It is the capital of Manicaland
province.
Mutare was founded in 1897 as a fort, about 8 km from the border with Mozambique
, and is just 290 km from the Mozambican port of Beira
, 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 Harare
to Beira with a railways mechanical work shop.
The area was the site of Chief Mutasa's kraal
. 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 gold
being discovered in the Penhalonga
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 Beira
and Bulawayo
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 Company
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.
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 6oC and maximum 20oC) and the hottest month is January (minimum 16oC and maximum 26oC), although as in much of Zimbabwe, October has the hottest days (28oC). 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.
and south of the Imbeza Valley. It is home to the Mutare Museum
, the Utopia House Museum dedicated to Kingsley Fairbridge
, the National Gallery of Zimbabwe
, Murahwa Hill, known for its rock paintings and Iron Age
village, Cross Kopje with a memorial to Zimbabweans and Mozambicans killed in World War I
and a nature reserve
. 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 Nyazura
, Rusape
and Harare
.
, 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.
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.
Primary Education:
Secondary Education:
Tertiary Institutions:
farming, mining
, agriculture
, hospitality
and cattle
ranching. Two of the largest food producers in Zimbabwe, Cairns Foods and Tanganda Tea
, 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.
, Netherlands
Portland
, USA
(since 1991)
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe 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 Manicaland
Manicaland
Manicaland 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
Mozambique
Mozambique, 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 Beira
Beira, Mozambique
Beira 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 Harare
Harare
Harare 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 kraal
Kraal
Kraal 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 gold
Gold
Gold 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 Penhalonga
Penhalonga
Penhalonga 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 Beira
Beira, Mozambique
Beira 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 Bulawayo
Bulawayo
Bulawayo 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 Company
British South Africa Company
The 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 19oC, surprisingly low for its moderate altitude (about the same as HarareHarare
Harare 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 6oC and maximum 20oC) and the hottest month is January (minimum 16oC and maximum 26oC), although as in much of Zimbabwe, October has the hottest days (28oC). 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 MountainsBvumba Mountains
The 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 Museum
Mutare Museum
Mutare 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 Fairbridge
Kingsley Fairbridge
Kingsley Ogilvie Fairbridge was the founder of a child emigration scheme to British colonies and the Fairbridge Schools...
, the National Gallery of Zimbabwe
National Gallery of Zimbabwe
The 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 Age
Iron Age
The 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 I
World War I
World 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 reserve
Nature reserve
A 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 Nyazura
Nyazura
Nyazura 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....
, Rusape
Rusape
Rusape 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 Harare
Harare
Harare 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 people
Shona 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 SchoolSakubva High SchoolSakubva 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
Citrus 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, mining
Mining
Mining 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...
, agriculture
Agriculture
Agriculture 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...
, hospitality
Hospitality
Hospitality 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 cattle
Cattle
Cattle 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 Tea
Tanganda Tea
Tanganda 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 YatesDornford YatesDornford 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 LamontDonal LamontBishop 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 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 RogersDouglas Rogers (writer)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 MutambaraArthur MutambaraArthur 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 BhaseraOnismor BhaseraOnismor 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 ParirenyatwaTichafa Samuel ParirenyatwaDoctor 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 ChitepoHerbert ChitepoHerbert 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 MandiwanziraSupa MandiwanziraSupa 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 TekereEdgar TekereEdgar 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 MadondoTrevor MadondoTrevor 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 MudehweLawrence MudehweAlderman 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 MordtBjorn MordtBjorn 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
Haarlem 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...
, Netherlands
Netherlands
The 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...
Portland
Portland, Oregon
Portland 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...
, USA
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
(since 1991)