Bulawayo

PSM V68 D156 The principal street in bulawayo

Bulawayo, Rhodesia -- 1976

Bulawayo City Hall

Kenilworth Towers, Ascot

Bougainvillea, Bulawayo

Bulawayo is the second-largest city in Zimbabwe, after the capital, Harare. It is located in the southwest of the country, in the Matabeleland region, and is known as the "City of Kings" due to its historical significance in the region. Bulawayo serves as an important industrial, commercial, and cultural hub for Zimbabwe. It is also notable for its historical buildings and wide avenues, a legacy of the colonial era.

History

The city was founded by the Ndebele king, Lobengula, in the early 1840s as his royal settlement. The name "Bulawayo" comes from the Ndebele word "Bulala," which translates to "the one to be killed," reflecting the city's historical significance as a center of resistance and warfare. In the late 19th century, Bulawayo became a focal point of European colonial expansion, particularly by the British South Africa Company led by Cecil Rhodes. The colonization process led to significant conflicts, including the First and Second Matabele Wars.

Following the establishment of colonial rule, Bulawayo developed rapidly as a commercial and industrial center, benefiting from its strategic location near Botswana and South Africa, and its proximity to the region's rich mineral resources and agricultural lands.

Economy

Bulawayo's economy has traditionally been driven by manufacturing, including textiles, metals, and chemicals. It is also a significant agricultural market center, supported by its surrounding farming regions which produce maize, cotton, and livestock. However, like much of Zimbabwe, Bulawayo has faced economic challenges in recent decades, including industrial decline and high unemployment rates.

Culture and Society

Bulawayo is known for its rich cultural heritage, hosting numerous festivals and arts events. The National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Bulawayo showcases a wide range of African art, including traditional and contemporary pieces. The city is also home to the Bulawayo Theatre, one of the oldest and most prominent cultural institutions in Zimbabwe.

Education is a significant aspect of Bulawayo's societal fabric, with several of the country's top schools and tertiary institutions, including the National University of Science and Technology (NUST), located in the city.

Transport

Bulawayo is a major transport hub in Zimbabwe, with road, rail, and air connections facilitating movement of goods and people. The city's railway station is an important node in the southern African rail network, while Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport connects Bulawayo with major regional and international destinations.

Challenges

Despite its historical significance and cultural vibrancy, Bulawayo faces several challenges, including economic decline, infrastructure decay, and the impacts of political and economic instability in Zimbabwe. Efforts to revitalize the city's economy and infrastructure are ongoing, with a focus on leveraging its cultural heritage and strategic location.

See Also

• Matabeleland
• History of Zimbabwe
• Economy of Zimbabwe
• Culture of Zimbabwe