Lupane: The home of Zimbabwe’s finest talents and achievers

LUPANE district, one of the seven in Matabeleland North province, is not only the provincial capital, but also the home of some of Zimbabwe’s finest talents and achievers in various fields. The district, which has a population of 107 248, according to the 2022 census results by ZimStat, has produced remarkable individuals who have made a mark in the country and beyond.

The district’s infrastructural development took off in 1999, when it was declared the provincial capital and accelerated in 2018, under the Second Republic. One of the major landmarks in the district, and the province, is the Lupane State University (LSU), which was established in 2005. The tertiary institution has become a centre of excellence and innovation, as well as a source of pride for the district and the region.

Among the notable alumni and staff of LSU are Professor Solwayo Ngwenya, a medical wonder who is the founder and director of the Royal Women’s Clinic and the Royal Hospital in Bulawayo and Professor Bhekimpilo Sibanda, a former Pro Vice-Chancellor, researcher, education and independent media consultant, and author of the book Saved by the rain: The risk of Hope in Education for Liberation.

Lupane district has also given birth to some of the country’s most influential and creative personalities in the arts, sports, business and politics. The late Continueloving Mhlanga, popularly known as Cont, was an art icon and phenom who founded Amakhosi Cultural Centre, a hub of artistic expression and development in Bulawayo. He died in August last year and was buried at his Lupane homestead with thousands of mourners in attendance.

Professor Mthuli Ncube, the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion hails from Lupane district. He is a renowned economist and academic, who has served in various regional and international institutions.

Kennedy Ndebele, the chief executive officer of the Premier Soccer League, is also a Lupane boy. He is one of the first football brains in the country and beyond, having served as a secretary and chairman of Highlanders, one of the country’s most successful and popular football clubs. His close ally and former colleague in the Bosso executive, Liqhwa Gama, now in the diaspora, is also from Lupane.

Sithule Nicole Tshuma, the founder and chief executive officer of Qoki Zindlovukazi, a women empowerment initiative that promotes local products and services, is a Lupane daughter. She is also a motivational speaker and a philanthropist. Anastance Ncube, a lecturer in urban development at the National University of Science and Technology (Nust), is also from Lupane district.

Dr Sehlulekile Gumede, a senior public health practitioner based in Zambia, and Obert Dube, a great poet, are also from Lupane district. They are examples of Lupane’s contribution to the health and literary sectors of the country and the region.

Mduduzi Gumpo, a Canada-based chartered accountant and Lupane businessman, who decided to invest back home, is another Lupane son. He is a successful entrepreneur and a role model for the young generation.

Kenneth Khiwa Mhlanga, popularly known as Mntakamama, a politician turned businessman now based in Hwange, who has an aeronautics engineer and racing car mechanic son, Keith Ngegu Mhlanga, is also from Lupane.

Jabulani Mqondisi Ndlovu, a youthful entrepreneur and farmer, who is into borehole installations, has great memories of the place he calls home.

He is the owner of Borehole Bandits, a company that has donated and installed borehole equipment at the Highlanders clubhouse. He is also involved in various community development projects, working with some non-governmental organisations such as Baobab Strong.

“I come from a place called Jibajiba, which was a big dam during our time. We used to go fishing there but nowadays the dam is no longer holding enough water probably due to siltation. It’s a huge dam that if resources are pooled together we may even have an irrigation scheme as a village.

“As natives of the place and budding businesspersons, we have a number of projects that we are doing to uplift our area working together with some non-governmental organisations such as Baobab Strong. We have helped in the building of schools as well as donating some equipment,” said Ndlovu.

He said as youngsters, they used to like traditional meals like isitshwala senyawuthi lomcaba. Ndlovu said despite venturing into the borehole business, they haven’t forgotten their roots.