Tsholotsho: A land of resilient souls and hidden gems

TSHOLOTSHO is a place where inhabitants are affectionately known as “Iziqholo zeZhwane.” The origin of this intriguing moniker remains shrouded in mystery, but it alludes to the widely held belief that Tsholotsho people are a resilient and unyielding community. They are not easily swayed or bent to the will of others; their spirit is as inflexible as the rock formations that dot their landscape.

Tsholotsho, often described as a “country within a country,” possesses a way of life that sets it apart from the rest of Zimbabwe. This distinction becomes evident when we examine the economic pulse of the region. Long before the country adopted the multicurrency system, Tsholotsho had already embraced the South African rand as its preferred currency. Even the mighty US dollar couldn’t sway the hearts of its people.

In a province with seven districts, the name “Tsholotsho” stands out as a beacon of recognition. Its popularity transcends regional boundaries and resonates with Zimbabweans across the nation.

Recently, the Government bestowed town status upon Tsholotsho, a move that is set to expand its influence and significance further.

Within this remarkable community, you’ll find iconic figures who have made their mark on the world stage, and others whose achievements may not be as widely known. One such figure is the author of this piece, born at Sipepa Clinic a few years before Zimbabwe achieved majority rule in 1980, and an alumnus of Mcetshwa Primary School before venturing to Hwange.

However, the author remains a modest presence among the giants of Tsholotsho. The district boasts an illustrious lineage of accomplished individuals. The late Vice-President of Zimbabwe, Landa John Nkomo, and the first Deputy Minister of Mines in independent Zimbabwe, Njini Ntutha, both hailed from Tsholotsho.

Former Cabinet ministers Cain Ginyilitshe Mathema, Sibangumuzi Khumalo, Jonathan Moyo, Samuel Sipepa Nkomo, and Bulawayo’s Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Judith Ncube as well as her Permanent Secretary, Paul Nyoni, proudly claim Tsholotsho as their homeland.

The district has also nurtured politicians like Musa Ncube, the National Assembly representative for Tsholotsho South, Senator Alice Dube, councillors Esau Siwela and Jonathan Ndlovu, as well as businessman and former councillor Melusi Ndebele, the son of the late Vice- President Nkomo, Jabulani Nkomo, Tsholotsho High School headmaster and headman Mazibisa, Sicelo Dube, and entrepreneur Phathisani Nkomo.

Tsholotsho’s talent extends to the realm of sports and the arts. Joel Luphahla, a former Highlanders and national team winger turned assistant coach, hails from Tsholotsho. Former lively winger Siza Khoza, the dynamic Phephisani Ndebele, and even Rahman Gumbo, who once led the Bosso squad to victory, all trace their roots to this amazing district.

Tsholotsho FC’s history-making journey into the Premier Soccer League featured the pioneering leadership of Melody Ndlovu, who became the first female secretary-general of a PSL club.

Beyond sports, the district has produced figures like football administrator Francis Ntutha, middle-distance runner and Physical Education teacher Brenda Banda, and renowned South African actor Ernest Ndlovu, who has graced television screens in series like Isibaya and Generations. Bhekilizwe Ndlovu, who starred as a ruthless gangster AK in the local drama series Amakorokoza, is also from Tsholotsho.

Notably, Tsholotsho has contributed to the world of music through artiste Fortue Makacebo Dawu and witnessed the rise of Elvis MaEli Mathe, leader of Izinsimbi zeZhwane, who tragically lost his life in a car crash near Lupane.