- Mbare, Harare
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Coordinates: 17°51′34″S 31°02′49″E / 17.85944°S 31.04694°E
Mbare is a high-density, southern suburb of Harare, Zimbabwe. It is home to one of the country's largest soccer team, Dynamos, also known to its fans as "Dembare." It was the first high-density suburb (township), being established in 1907. At that time, it was located near the city cemetery, sewage works, and abattoir. It was originally called Harare (Hariri) Township, a name later on used for the capital city itself. Harare is a corruption of Haarari, meaning 'One who never sleeps' and this was the name given to the Zezuru Chief of this north eastern part of Zimbabwe, a Chief Harava.
Mbare's most famous attraction is the Curio Market, the largest market for traditional artwork, including soapstone sculpture and Mbira instruments. In addition, the largest food and vegetable markets, and a second-hand clothing market operate in Mbare.
Significant portions of Mbare were destroyed by police and military forces during the operation Murambatsvina in May 2005.
Mbare's features include Rufaro stadium, which hosted the 6th Africa Games and the Mai Musonza Hall, one of Harare's oldest theatre centre. Stodart hall, which houses bodies of state veterans ahead of burial, is also located in Mbare.
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Economy
Mbare has the largest farm produce market Mbare musika in Zimbabwe. Farmers deliver their fresh crops every morning and some travel from far away places like Mutare, Masvingo and Kariba to sell their produce. The council gets much needed revenue to upgrade the community that appears long neglected.
Because of the central bus station Mbare musika is linked to all major roads it is the Hub linking buses to all different destinations in Zimbabwe and neighboring countries. Trade and transport are the pillars of economy in Mbare.
History
Mbare (formerly Harare) started to expand in about 1907 when the white settlers built a town called Salisbury, thus created an influx of people coming from Mozambique Zambia and Malawi looking for employment. The phenomenon gave rise to urban development, but real growth was accelerated when Mbare relocated from where Cold Storage Commission is today to its present location. The first council houses built were popularly known as Kaytor or Old bricks. Mbare was largely populated by migrant workers while the local workforce preferred to maintain their rural homes reserved places and came to the city seasonally. During the 40's there was a big shortage of workers as indicated by D.Sean Bott's Labour in colonial Zimbabwe . The council built Matapi flats and Mbare hostels to accommodate local male workers. They would work for a few days at a time and then return to their families in the rural areas. Today those flats are now occupied by married couples.
Education
Primary education
Mbare has six government primary schools namely Chirodzo, Gwinyai, Chitsere, Shingirai, Nharira and George Stack primary school.There is one faith school by the name of St Peter's Roman Catholic school. There is also another faith school by the name Chiedza a Salvation Army church School.
Secondary education
Harare Secondary School, George Stack, Mbare High Schools are then three secondary schools in mbare.
Hospitals
Edith Oppermann maternity wing and clinic, Mbare Flats Clinic, Matapi clinic and Beatrice road Infectious Disease hospital.
Sports
Dynamos football club is based in Mbare it is one of the top teams in Zimbabwe and Rufaro stadium is their home ground it is also an international football ground capable of hosting any topflight match. On Independence day in 1980 Bob Marley was a guest of honour to the people of Zimbabwe and he had a musical show in Rufaro stadium.
Notable places
Harare cementry is a landmark place noted for its World War graves. Harare magistrate courts is situated in Mbare{Panyangwe}it is a civil and criminal court without powers to prosecute serious cases. Mai Musodzi Hall is probably one of the most notable historical buildings in Mbare. It was named after one of the pioneer women who spent most of her time educating other women.
Leisure
In the Old bricks era people indulged in jazz music and tap dance. Concerts were very popular and great singers like Thomas Mapfumo Hilton Mambo and Elisha Josam all emanated from Mbare. Stodart hall is Mbare's biggest community hall. Sir Cliff Richard performed in the hall during his tour in the 60's. The hall was also used for film shows and as a place of last vigil for deceased national heroes. Mbare had the finest swimming pool centre called George Hartley. During summer live bands would play on the turf while swimmers enjoyed themselves. You had to keep an eye on your swimming trunk lest you lose it.
Media
Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation formerly Rhodesian Broadcasting Corporation had the first Black readers to read news on the air and was the only media that could broadcast in the local vernacular languages namely chiShona and Ndebele. In 1956, Mrs Mlambo (now late, may her soul rest in peace) started a children's show called Mbuya Chirambakusakara.
Notable residents
Image gallery
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Scene at Mbare
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Venders at Mbare
References
Categories:- Suburbs of Harare
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