Vusumuzi Dube
Gift Moyo/Langelihle Dube
WHEN flames tore through Fairy Café in the early hours of Wednesday morning, Bulawayo did not just lose a building; it lost a cherished social hub. The fire, which burned for some time before being contained by city fire marshals, has left employees, entertainers and patrons grappling with its emotional, social and economic consequences.
The café, which relocated from Robert Mugabe Avenue to Fife Street and reopened in February last year, had quickly become popular for its warm ambience and ability to attract diverse crowds. For many, it was more than a restaurant. It was a family friendly haven where food, music and community intertwined — and a convenient meeting place for people from all walks of life.
On the entertainment scene, it had evolved into a vital platform for local creatives to refine their craft and connect with audiences. For resident DJs, it offered not only visibility but also a dependable income stream in a highly competitive industry.
One of the resident DJs, Nospa, who helped define the café’s entertainment identity and played a central role in building its loyal after hours following, said: “It’s something we’re still trying to process. The place has been home for the past year. The management treated everyone like family. It’s hard to accept, not just for us DJs, but for everyone involved.”
Another DJ, Bryce DJ Klasiq, who was scheduled to host the next edition of his The Mix and The Menu event at the café, described the incident as devastating.
“It hasn’t sunk in. We were excited about the upcoming edition and the staff were eager too. As someone in entertainment, I know how hard it is to build a place like Fairy Café. Seeing it reduced to ashes is heartbreaking,” he said.
He added that fellow resident DJ, Skiplusy, lost valuable equipment in the blaze. “Those things are not easy to replace. Years of hard work, gone in hours.”
Skiplusy said the loss had derailed carefully laid plans.
“We had projects lined up, some not yet announced. Now it’s all gone. We don’t know what recovery will look like,” he said.
Patrons also shared fond memories of Sunday game nights and the café’s welcoming atmosphere.
“The kids loved it. It was always lively and family friendly,” said one regular.
Across the street, Prophet Bruce Edwards, whose congregants were frequent visitors to the café, said the community was already praying for the business to bounce back.
“We are deeply saddened by this loss. No one deserves to suffer such a setback in their business, and we pray they return stronger from it.”
Messages of support continue to pour in for the café and its proprietor, Kathy Mwanza — a passionate baker whose journey from home based baking grew into a thriving bakery and café brand with branches extending to Harare.
The National University of Science and Technology (Nust) Alumni also issued a message of solidarity.
“The National University of Science and Technology Alumni family extends its heartfelt solidarity to our alumna, Kathy Mwanza, proprietor of Fairy Cafè, following the unfortunate fire incident that caused extensive damage to the beloved Bulawayo establishment.
“Fairy Cafè has become more than just a restaurant in the city’s central business district, it is a vibrant meeting place, a symbol of entrepreneurship, and a testament to the resilience and innovation of Nust graduates
“. . . Kathy, please know that your Nust alumni community stands with you during this challenging time. Your entrepreneurial spirit reflects the very values we uphold as a university — courage, determination and excellence.”
The Nust Alumni further urged members and stakeholders to rally behind Mwanza during the rebuilding process.
“To our alumni network and stakeholders, we encourage you to keep Kathy and her team in your thoughts and to support Fairy Cafè as it rebuilds. Together, we are stronger.”
Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing.
Online Reporter