Chronicle Editor
Flora Fadzai Sibanda, [email protected]
DEEP in the heart of Matopos National Park on the outskirts of Bulawayo where the rugged beauty of Zimbabwe’s landscape merges seamlessly with its rich cultural heritage, a vibrant scene unfolds beneath the watchful gaze of ancient granite outcrops.
Nestled within the embrace of nature’s grandeur, Jikweni Craft Centre, is a bustling marketplace that springs to life, offering a display of traditional artefacts to curious tourists. As the morning sun casts its warm glow upon the sprawling savannah, the marketplace awakens with a symphony of activity.
Colourful stalls adorned with handwoven baskets, intricately carved wooden sculptures, and vibrant textiles stretch out beneath the vast African sky, each one a testament to the craftsmanship and ingenuity of the local artisans.
At the heart of this bustling hub of commerce, stand the guardians of tradition, their weathered faces etched with wisdom of the ages.
Visitors are surrounded by the spirit of ancestors who once roamed the vast landscape.
Local and international tourists from far-flung corners of the globe wander through the maze of stalls, their senses awash with the sights, sounds and scents of Matopos.
They seem captivated by the intricate beadwork and intricately carved sculptures on display, their eyes alight with wonder.
Jikweni Craft Centre is home to a group of people using their handicrafts to earn a living by selling their products to tourists visiting Matopos National Park.
The centre has been in operation since 1926 and was established as a means of compensation for villagers, whose forefathers were relocated by the Rhodesian government to create the national park.
The cooperative is made up mainly of elderly, orphaned and widowed members, although others are employed within the facility. Products range from US$1 and are made at the artisans’ homes.
Jikweni Craft Centre has a cordial relationship with both ZimParks and the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe, with park rangers providing security and guarding products at night. The artisans also act as the eyes and ears for the authorities in the fight against poaching, helping protect endangered species such as rhinos.
Jikweni Craft Centre Cooperative chairperson, Mr Artwell Ndlovu, said most of their members are villagers from neighbouring Silozwi whose forefathers were relocated by the Rhodesian government to pave the way for the establishment of the national park, which is situated on a granite-decorated terrain of the scenic Matobo Hill.
Cecil John Rhodes, the then chairman of the British South Africa Company, dubbed it “View of the World” after he was enthralled by the gentle ambiance of Matobo Hills and the breath-taking vista beyond. He eventually chose it as his final resting place. Matopos National Park was declared a Unesco World Heritage Site in 2003.
The National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe, as one of the custodians of this landscape, oversees several such heritage sites, which include Bambata, Pomongwe, Nswatugi, and White Rhino-painted caves as well as World’s View, where several prominent colonial personalities are buried.
During the Easter Holiday, Matopos National Park was teeming with activity as hordes of both domestic and international tourists swarmed the place, creating a booming business for the Jikweni Craft Centre.
“All villagers that lived here were moved to make way for the establishment of Matopos National Park. As a way of compensation, they were permitted to come and trade within the park, and this has been going on since 1926,” said Mr Ndlovu.
“When the idea of forming this cooperative was first mooted, it targeted mainly the elderly, orphans and widows, which is still the case. However, we now have a few people who are not part of that group, but are working within the cooperative.”
Mr Ndlovu said they specialise in carving sculptures, making decorated cloth with African print, hats, bags, shoes, African necklaces and bangles, among other African ornaments.
“Most of these products are made at our homes, which are within walking distance from this craft centre. We work as a family and share the profits,” he said.
Mr Ndlovu said their products range from US$1.
“It’s difficult to get a fixed price because customers will always negotiate. Generally, business is good during holidays because that is when a lot of tourists visit the place,” he said.
“During Easter, business was relatively good for most of us. Our peak is usually during the festive season, when the volume of visitors increases.”
Mr Ndlovu said they have cordial relations with Matopos National Park authorities.
“We have good relations with both ZimParks and National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe who are custodians of this place. ZimParks rangers actually provide security to us and they also guard our products at night,” he said.
“We also complement them in their efforts to protect wildlife, especially endangered species such as rhinos. We act as their eyes and ears in the fight against poaching.” — @flora_sibanda
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