Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena and Peter Matika
SCORES of people marched through the city centre yesterday as they marked Bulawayo Day with a colourful carnival parade organised by the City Council showcasing the city’s rich history and culture.
Bulawayo Day commemorates June 1, 1894, when the city was officially declared a town.
It later became a municipality in 1897 and was granted city status in 1943.
The event came shortly after President Mnangagwa successfully launched the Culture Month at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo.
This year’s Bulawayo Day celebrations, held under the theme “Building Bridges, Preserving Connections,” also highlighted development efforts in the city, including road rehabilitation, the revival of local industries and the refurbishment of community halls and youth centres.
The procession, which started at 10am, was led by Bulawayo town clerk, Mr Christopher Dube, accompanied by Bulawayo councillors, among them Ward 3 Councillor Mxolisi Mahlangu, Councillor Sikhulukile Moyo and Councillor Mpumelelo Moyo.
Bulawayo mayor Councillor David Coltart later joined the procession as it made its way back to the Large City Hall, where the main programme was held. The guest of honour was Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Bulawayo Metropolitan Province Judith Ncube.
Leading the parade were Amatshitshi, accompanied by members of the Fire Brigade and municipal police. Dressed in traditional attire, they brought energy to the streets through song and dance. Amabutho and Inyosi (poets) also took part, adding traditional dances, poetry and war cries linked to King Mzilikazi’s regiments.
The parade stopped at several historic sites across the city. The first stop was the Highlanders Clubhouse, where participants celebrated the country’s oldest football club, which is marking its centenary this year. Supporters joined in singing club songs, adding to the festive mood as the parade moved through the city.
The procession then went to the Inxwala site, a place where King Mzilikazi held the Inxwala ceremony. The site, located between the city centre and North End, became a key focus of the celebrations. At the site, Amabutho sang Kudala Kwakunganje, a traditional song reflecting on the passing of King Lobengula.
The director of housing and community services, Mr Dictor Khumalo, gave a brief account on the importance of the site, saying plans were in place to preserve it.
“Where we are right now is the Inxwala Grounds, where thousands of people from the Ndebele nation used to gather to celebrate the first harvest. This ceremony was led by the King and was also a platform where important national matters were discussed and deliberated upon,” he said.
“As the city council, it is our duty to ensure that our history is preserved. We have resolved to build a cultural centre here so that we safeguard our heritage and history. This is who we are, and we must be proud of it.”
The parade later moved to the statue of the late Vice President Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo, where more residents joined in singing and dancing. Traditional songs and dances created a strong sense of unity and pride among those present.
The procession then returned to the Large City Hall for the main programme.
Minister of State for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Judith Ncube, who was the guest of honour, said cultural heritage and creative industries are key pillars for economic growth, national unity and sustainable development.
She said the province had showcased its cultural richness and organisational capacity, earning recognition from President Mnangagwa and the nation.
