Mbare, Harare
Encyclopedia
Mbare is a high-density, southern suburb of Harare
, Zimbabwe
. It is home to one of the country's largest soccer team, Dynamos, also known to its fans as "Dembare." It was the first high-density suburb (township), being established in 1907. At that time, it was located near the city cemetery, sewage works, and abattoir. It was originally called Harare (Hariri) Township, a name later on used for the capital city itself. Harare is a corruption of Haarari, meaning 'One who never sleeps' and this was the name given to the Zezuru Chief of this north eastern part of Zimbabwe, a Chief Harava.
Mbare's most famous attraction is the Curio Market, the largest market for traditional artwork, including soapstone sculpture and Mbira
instruments. In addition, the largest food and vegetable markets, and a second-hand clothing market operate in Mbare.
Significant portions of Mbare were destroyed by police and military forces during the operation Murambatsvina
in May 2005.
Mbare's features include Rufaro stadium, which hosted the 6th Africa Games and the Mai Musonza Hall, one of Harare's oldest theatre centre. Stodart hall, which houses bodies of state veterans ahead of burial, is also located in Mbare.
in Zimbabwe. Farmers deliver their fresh crops every morning and some travel from far away places like Mutare, Masvingo and Kariba to sell their produce. The council gets much needed revenue to upgrade the community that appears long neglected.
Because of the central bus station Mbare musika is linked to all major roads it is the Hub linking buses to all different destinations in Zimbabwe and neighboring countries. Trade and transport are the pillars of economy in Mbare.
is their home ground it is also an international football ground capable of hosting any topflight match.
On Independence day in 1980 Bob Marley
was a guest of honour to the people of Zimbabwe and he had a musical show in Rufaro stadium.
Mai Musodzi Hall is probably one of the most notable historical buildings in Mbare. It was named after one of the pioneer women who spent most of her time educating other women.
Hilton Mambo and Elisha Josam all emanated from Mbare. Stodart hall is Mbare's biggest community hall. Sir Cliff Richard
performed in the hall during his tour in the 60's. The hall was also used for film shows and as a place of last vigil for deceased national heroes. Mbare had the finest swimming pool centre called George Hartley
. During summer live bands would play on the turf while swimmers enjoyed themselves. You had to keep an eye on your swimming trunk lest you lose it.
formerly Rhodesian Broadcasting Corporation had the first Black readers to read news on the air and was the only media that could broadcast in the local vernacular languages namely chiShona and Ndebele. In 1956, Mrs Mlambo (now late, may her soul rest in peace) started a children's show called Mbuya Chirambakusakara.
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...
, Zimbabwe
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...
. It is home to one of the country's largest soccer team, Dynamos, also known to its fans as "Dembare." It was the first high-density suburb (township), being established in 1907. At that time, it was located near the city cemetery, sewage works, and abattoir. It was originally called Harare (Hariri) Township, a name later on used for the capital city itself. Harare is a corruption of Haarari, meaning 'One who never sleeps' and this was the name given to the Zezuru Chief of this north eastern part of Zimbabwe, a Chief Harava.
Mbare's most famous attraction is the Curio Market, the largest market for traditional artwork, including soapstone sculpture and Mbira
Mbira
In African music, the mbira is a musical instrument that consists of a wooden board to which staggered metal keys have been attached. It is often fitted into a resonator...
instruments. In addition, the largest food and vegetable markets, and a second-hand clothing market operate in Mbare.
Significant portions of Mbare were destroyed by police and military forces during the operation Murambatsvina
Operation Murambatsvina
Operation Murambatsvina , also officially known as Operation Restore Order, is a large-scale Zimbabwean government campaign to forcibly clear slum areas across the country...
in May 2005.
Mbare's features include Rufaro stadium, which hosted the 6th Africa Games and the Mai Musonza Hall, one of Harare's oldest theatre centre. Stodart hall, which houses bodies of state veterans ahead of burial, is also located in Mbare.
Economy
Mbare has the largest farm produce market Mbare musikaMbare Musika
Mbare Musika is the major trading market for vegetables and fruits in Mbare suburb of Harare Zimbabwe. It acts as the distribution centre for agricultural produce in Zimbabwe with Millions of dollars worth of trade happening daily. It is also the major bus station for rural bound and incoming...
in Zimbabwe. Farmers deliver their fresh crops every morning and some travel from far away places like Mutare, Masvingo and Kariba to sell their produce. The council gets much needed revenue to upgrade the community that appears long neglected.
Because of the central bus station Mbare musika is linked to all major roads it is the Hub linking buses to all different destinations in Zimbabwe and neighboring countries. Trade and transport are the pillars of economy in Mbare.
History
Mbare (formerly Harare) started to expand in about 1907 when the white settlers built a town called Salisbury, thus created an influx of people coming from Mozambique Zambia and Malawi looking for employment. The phenomenon gave rise to urban development, but real growth was accelerated when Mbare relocated from where Cold Storage Commission is today to its present location. The first council houses built were popularly known as Kaytor or Old bricks. Mbare was largely populated by migrant workers while the local workforce preferred to maintain their rural homes reserved places and came to the city seasonally. During the 40's there was a big shortage of workers as indicated by D.Sean Bott's Labour in colonial Zimbabwe . The council built Matapi flats and Mbare hostels to accommodate local male workers. They would work for a few days at a time and then return to their families in the rural areas. Today those flats are now occupied by married couples.Primary education
Mbare has six government primary schools namely Chirodzo, Gwinyai, Chitsere, Shingirai, Nharira and George Stack primary school.There is one faith school by the name of St Peter's Roman Catholic school. There is also another faith school by the name Chiedza a Salvation Army church School.Secondary education
Harare Secondary School, George Stack, Mbare High Schools are then three secondary schools in mbare.Hospitals
Edith Oppermann maternity wing and clinic, Mbare Flats Clinic, Matapi clinic and Beatrice road Infectious Disease hospital.Sports
Dynamos football club is based in Mbare it is one of the top teams in Zimbabwe and Rufaro stadiumRufaro Stadium
Rufaro Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in Harare, Zimbabwe. It is currently used mostly for football matches. The stadium has a capacity of 35,000 people....
is their home ground it is also an international football ground capable of hosting any topflight match.
On Independence day in 1980 Bob Marley
Bob Marley
Robert Nesta "Bob" Marley, OM was a Jamaican singer-songwriter and musician. He was the rhythm guitarist and lead singer for the ska, rocksteady and reggae band Bob Marley & The Wailers...
was a guest of honour to the people of Zimbabwe and he had a musical show in Rufaro stadium.
Notable places
Harare cementry is a landmark place noted for its World War graves. Harare magistrate courts is situated in Mbare{Panyangwe}it is a civil and criminal court without powers to prosecute serious cases.Mai Musodzi Hall is probably one of the most notable historical buildings in Mbare. It was named after one of the pioneer women who spent most of her time educating other women.
Leisure
In the Old bricks era people indulged in jazz music and tap dance. Concerts were very popular and great singers like Thomas MapfumoThomas Mapfumo
Thomas Tafirenyika Mapfumo is a Zimbabwean musician known as "The Lion of Zimbabwe" and "Mukanya" for his immense popularity and for the political influence he wields through his music, including his sharp criticism of the government of President Robert Mugabe...
Hilton Mambo and Elisha Josam all emanated from Mbare. Stodart hall is Mbare's biggest community hall. Sir Cliff Richard
Cliff Richard
Sir Cliff Richard, OBE is a British pop singer, musician, performer, actor, and philanthropist who has sold over an estimated 250 million records worldwide....
performed in the hall during his tour in the 60's. The hall was also used for film shows and as a place of last vigil for deceased national heroes. Mbare had the finest swimming pool centre called George Hartley
George Hartley
George Edward Hartley was an English cricketer. Hartley was a right-handed batsman who bowled right-arm slow. He was born in Walsden, Yorkshire....
. During summer live bands would play on the turf while swimmers enjoyed themselves. You had to keep an eye on your swimming trunk lest you lose it.
Media
Zimbabwe Broadcasting CorporationZimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation
The Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation is the state-controlled broadcaster in Zimbabwe. It succeeded the Voice of Zimbabwe Rhodesia in 1980, which in turn had succeeded the Rhodesian Broadcasting Corporation in 1979...
formerly Rhodesian Broadcasting Corporation had the first Black readers to read news on the air and was the only media that could broadcast in the local vernacular languages namely chiShona and Ndebele. In 1956, Mrs Mlambo (now late, may her soul rest in peace) started a children's show called Mbuya Chirambakusakara.