Chronicle Editor
Tafadzwa Chibukwa, Features Reporter
HERITAGE is a wide concept that talks to that which humanity deems of value and worth protecting for posterity.
Every community, society and people has their own heritage that they strive to uphold and give value to.
For the people of Mzilikazi suburb, Bulawayo, MacDonald Hall, as well as the community amenities around it, stand out as figures they hold dear as they have played a major role in shaping their history.
During the pre-independence period, the place was a haven for social gatherings, community projects and community empowerment programmes among other events that took place at the great hall.
In separate interviews, residents of Mzilikazi suburb who benefitted from the many different activities that were done at the community centre spoke glowingly about MacDonald Hall.
Mrs Sophie Mgombane said the community centre was a melting pot of a variety of activities that took place in the suburb.
She said the community centre had four buildings which were the MacDonald Hall, Mzilikazi Craft Centre, Community Library and the Home Industry, which all played different roles and offered different activities.
She said she was proud of having been part of the many residents of the suburb who benefited immensely from the various community projects held there.
“Growing up in Mzilikazi, the community spaces surrounding MacDonald Hall could not be described as a place full of buildings but it symbolised unity, culture, traditions and the spirit of our community. We all knew MacDonald Hall to be the place to be. It was a place where a variety of activities took place, not restricted or directed for anyone or specific age but the place offered room and space for everyone in the community. You would find women, men, young women and young men all doing various things at the community space. We may describe the place as a safe space as we all found peace at it,” said Mrs Mgombane.
She said she was equipped with many skills that are sustaining her even today.
“There were many projects that were held at the community space which benefited most people in the suburb. For some, they are living through them today. Young men were being taught projects such as carpentry, metal work and engineering while the ladies were being taught works such as how to do their laundry, sewing, ironing among other projects where people were awarded certificates after completing the projects. I can testify that till this day, I am living off sewing, a skill I was taught at the home industry,” said Mrs Mgombane.
Mrs Grace Mevana concurred with Mrs Mgombane.
She said the monumental community centre played a pivotal role in keeping the youths busy, avoiding a lot of issues that are rampant nowadays.
“The community centre, especially MacDonald Hall, played a crucial role in keeping us busy during our time which is why we never got up to a lot of mischief since we spent most of our time there. We knew MacDonald Hall to be a home to every child of Mzilikazi, a place where we went to socialise and grow.
During the time of its influence, we were taught dances such as waltz, fox-trot, and tango where we would go on to compete and the winners would receive valuable rewards,” said Mrs Mevana.
She however bemoaned the current state of the community centre.
“Some of the community facilities have closed down and are no longer fully functional. The craft centre which used to be flooded with youths being enrolled in projects now takes in less than 20 youths yearly.
Even when looking at the space surrounding all the buildings, which used to be a flourishing and lively community park with swings for children and couples, it has turned into a dry, parched area that is home to a lot of mischievous activities. Nowadays, you can no longer walk past there after 8PM because of the many robbery cases that have been recorded there,” said Mrs Mevana.
She said while growing up, the community centre was trusted to a level that at the mention of going to MacDonald Hall, their parents would not have any insecurities. – @Sagepapie14
Online Reporter