Urban Heritage Corridor: A hidden Bulawayo thrives in a digital world

SOLAR farms, vehicle assembly plants, new shopping malls, bonded warehouses, industrial parks and an integrated modern transport system are just some of the boxes that city fathers intend to tick over the years as Bulawayo takes the long strides towards smart city status. It is a lofty ambition shared by most of the country, as Zimbabwe seeks to match the rest of the world stride for stride as a digital revolution sweeps across the globe. Like many others, Bulawayo does not want to be left behind.

However, in this push to bring the city up to modern standards, there has not been any rush to obliterate the cultural landmarks that are deeply imbedded in the City of Kings’ royal DNA.

Among those are the landmarks that form part of the Bulawayo Urban Heritage Corridor, key cultural and historical land points around the city without which the story of Bulawayo could not be told in full.

In June 2021, President Mnangagwa launched the Urban Heritage Corridor, bringing attention to gems that are an indispensable part of Bulawayo’s cityscape. With the Sanganai/ Hlanganani World Tourism Expo set to be held in Bulawayo at the Zimbabwe International

Exhibition Centre from 13 to 15 October, Sunday Life takes a stroll through the Heritage Corridor, beckoning visitors towards the city’s most unique landmarks while reminding residents of the treasures that lie on their doorstep.

Joshua Nkomo Statue

Perhaps the fact that the statue was only erected in 2013 is the greatest testament to the influence of the late nationalist. Less than a decade since Big Josh started standing tall at the intersection of Joshua Mqabuko Street and 8th Avenue, the statue has become one of the most revered and visited hotspots in the city.

The fact that the millennial generation, who cannot be accused of being camera shy by any stretch of the imagination, have made the statue a prime destination for photo opportunities, is perhaps the greatest way of honouring the legacy of a man who always stood by and behind the country’s youth during his illustrious lifetime.

Joshua Nkomo Museum

A book, a statue or a song is not enough to remember the life of a titanic figure like Father Zimbabwe, one of the stalwarts of Zimbabwe’s protracted war of liberation.

To L3