Umguza: The district of diversity and distinction

UMGUZA is not just a district. It is a hub of history, culture, economy and politics. It is home to the country’s second largest airport, which bears the name of the national hero, Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo. It is also home to some of the most influential and inspiring figures in Zimbabwe.

The district, which is one of the seven districts in Matabeleland North province, has a rich and diverse background. It dates back to the 1970s, when it was called Bulawayo-Esigodini Rural District Council and Esiphezini District Council. It was in 1993 that it attained the name Umguza Rural District Council after the amalgamation of Nyamandlovu Rural Council and Bulawayo-Esigodini Rural District Council.

Its head offices are in Bulawayo, the second capital of the country, which is a focal point that is accessible to residents from all the corners of the district. It is also connected by transport networks like roads and railway lines, making it easy for people and goods to move in and out of the district.

The district falls under Region 4, and farming dominates the district’s economic activities. The district is characterised by four forms of tenure: forestry areas, communal lands, resettlement areas, large and small-scale farms. Cattle ranching and maize production are the major farming activities and there is also market gardening at Nyamandlovu aquifer. There is abundant wildlife in the commercial farming areas, and also ostrich rearing at Mimosa Park. The council owns peri-urban areas such as Kensington, Douglasdale, Rangemore, Emthunzini and Montgomery.

There is not much mining in the district, and three-quarters of the industry is agricultural, with a greater proportion in commercial farming. Most of the large-scale farms were turned into small-scale resettlement areas or into communal areas.

Umguza Rural District Council’s main activities include the provision of land for various uses, like housing, manufacturing, businesses and schools. Umguza has a strong industrial base as it is home to Pretoria Portland Cement and MacDonald Bricks. Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services’ Anju Farm and Prison is also in the district.

But who is there in this district that is under the chieftainship of Chief Deli, born Asher Mabhena?

The district’s poster boy, without any hesitation, cannot be anyone other than the political giant himself, Obert Mpofu, who is the ruling Zanu-PF party secretary-general and former Matabeleland North governor, a businessman and farmer of repute.

Mpofu’s long-time sweetheart, Senator Sikhanyisiwe Mpofu while originally from Lupane district, is another icon from Umguza, who is also a former chairperson for the council.

Plucked from the district and given to the province, Matabeleland North Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Richard Moyo, is the serving National Assembly representative for Umguza constituency, where he is popularly known as Ijongosi, a name he was given by his Godfather, Obert Mpofu.

Also coming out of Umguza is Matabeleland North National Assembly representative under the women’s quota, Elizabeth Masuku, who now sits in the Pan African Parliament (PAP), representing Zimbabwe. Former ZBC and Star FM marketing guru and budding businessman, Sylvester Machingura, is also an Umguza son.

Another iconic figure is former Zipra commander, Moses Moyo, who lost 11 of his comrades in a Rhodesian forces 15-minute massacre at Cross Jotsholo in Lupane district while on their way to an assembly point following the declaration of a ceasefire.

The 22 freedom fighters were ambushed in December 1979 while travelling on a Pullen bus from Jotsholo Business Centre to St Paul’s assembly point. Eleven of them were gunned down by enemy forces, an attack that nearly led to the resumption of the armed struggle as tempers flared in assembly points with fighters threatening to take up arms again and seek revenge.

Moyo is still struggling to find closure and during an interview last year at his plot in Makokomba Village, Umguza, he called upon Government to at least spruce up the Jotsholo massacre site by erecting a fence and a plaque so that his colleagues can finally rest in peace.