Empumalanga: a suburb of history, culture, prominence

EMPUMALANGA is a suburb in the coal-rich district of Hwange, which was granted municipality status in 1974. Since then, it has been growing rapidly and expanding its boundaries to include two other suburbs: Baobab and Chibondo. Empumalanga is a diverse and vibrant community that boasts of a rich history, culture and prominent personalities.

Empumalanga houses are mostly privately-owned by individuals, while Baobab and Chibondo are mainly occupied by middle and senior management level employees of the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (Zesa). Baobab is also home to the only star-rated hotel in Hwange town, the Baobab Hotel, which is situated on a hill overlooking the town. Next to the hotel is the Compensation House, which hosts various Government departments, including the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC).

The suburb has two primary schools: Nechibondo, which is run by the Empumalanga Local Board, and Megawatt, which is owned by the Zimbabwe Power Company. The only secondary school is Chilisa, which has a controversial name. Chilisa was one of the Nambya elders who betrayed Chief Whange Lusumbami to King Mzilikazi’s army. He lied that Lusumbami had two hearts and that if he was killed and his hearts given to Mzilikazi, the king would gain extraordinary super powers. However, when Lusumbami was killed at what is now known as Pasi-Pasi train station, only one heart was found. This angered Mzilikazi, who sent his soldiers to hunt down Chilisa. Chilisa fled and settled in an area called Gampo in present-day Zambia. Thus, Chilisa Secondary School was named after a traitor who caused the death of an innocent chief.

Empumalanga, Baobab and Chibondo are three different suburbs, but they all fall under the Empumalanga Local Board. They are also home to some of the most famous sons and daughters of Hwange town. The late former Matabeleland North Governor, Thokozile Mathuthu, who was also the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, was a resident of Empumalanga. She was one of the most influential and respected personalities in the area. Another notable figure is Cecil Mahlangu, a political kingmaker who is well-known in Empumalanga. He is a cool-looking chap, but also a great schemer.

Baobab is where veteran politician and businessman Patrick Utete and his wife Patience, a renowned golfer, live. They are a well-known and admired couple in the suburb and beyond. Another popular family is the Kapfunde family, whose father Grassiano ran the first nightclub in Empumalanga, koKapfunde. His daughter Stephanie is now a media mogul in Harare, running digital media platforms such as Enthuse Mag, Bhizimusi and Hallelujah Mag.

Former referee Hardly Ndazi put Empumalanga on the map with his excellent officiating skills, although Dynamos fans may disagree. Former Hwange Football Club Secretary General Charles Nyala, who is also an Arsenal fan, is a popular and respected figure in the area so is young entrepreneur Leslie Kwidini, who comes from a highly popular family in Hwange town.

Hwange Central National Assembly representative Daniel Molokele, who represents the whole of Hwange town, is also a resident of Empumalanga.

Empumalanga is also home to some of the most prominent figures in the media, business, and sports sectors. Dumisani Nsingo, a former award-winning Sunday News reporter, is now the public relations officer of the Hwange Local Board. He works with the local board secretary Ndumiso Mdlalose, the former council chairperson Nqobile Mabhena, and the housing director Ananias Banda, who are all iconic figures in the suburb. Rutendo Mapfumo, a female media personality who runs the long-established community newspaper Indonsakusa, also lives in Empumalanga.

Kenny Chiwanza is a socialite and businessman who runs GVZ Leisure Centre in Hwange and another joint in the resort city of Victoria Falls. He is a respected and influential figure in the area. His house and his upmarket lodge are both located in Baobab.

The suburb has also produced some of the best footballers in the country. The late Nehemiah Dube, who died on New Year’s Eve in 2016, was a resident of Empumalanga. He was a former defender for Highlanders between 1973 and 1974. He played with some of the legendary Bosso players, such as Tymon Mabaleka, Lawrence Phiri, Edward Dzowa, Josiah Nxumalo and Boet van Ays. He was part of the Highlanders team that won the 1973 Chibuku Trophy, beating Mangula 3-0 in the final. Another former footballer from Empumalanga is Tofireyi Sambo, who was a lanky midfielder for Dynamos.