Plumtree: Border town with rich history, prominent personalities
PLUMTREE is a town in Matabeleland South near the border with Botswana. It serves as the administrative centre for the Bulilima and Mangwe districts, which were formerly part of the now-split Bulilimamangwe District until 2003.
The town was founded in 1897 and has a population of 14 460, according to the 2022 census.
The town is also known as Getjenge or kuTitji by the locals.
Plumtree has a long and proud history, especially in the liberation struggle against the white minority rule. Many freedom fighters and political leaders hail from this town, such as the late national hero Professor Callistus Dingiswayo Ndlovu who was born in Plumtree in 1936 and is buried at the National Heroes Acre.
Another national hero from Plumtree is Simon Khaya Moyo. He died in 2021 and was honoured for his contribution to the nation.
Other notable politicians from Plumtree include Ambassador Zenzo Nsimbi, who was a deputy minister of transport and energy, and is now the Environmental Management Agency board chairperson; Addington Lutho Tapela, who was a deputy minister of education and a veteran educationist; Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndlovu, the Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry, and the Zanu-PF provincial chairperson for Matabeleland South; Dingumuzi Phuthi, who is the current deputy minister of Information, Communication and Technology; Moses Mzila Ndlovu, a veteran of the armed struggle, and a former teacher and legislator; and the late Obedingwa Mguni, who was a deputy minister of Home Affairs and a legislator.
Plumtree is not only known for its political figures, but also for its academics, artists, media gurus, socialites, and business persons. Some of the prominent personalities from this town include Andrew Tapela, a football administrator and educationist; the late Nicholas Nleya, a renowned businessman and philanthropist; and Mthulisi Ndlovu, an award-winning poet who performs under the name Khulu Gatsheni.
Plumtree has also witnessed some of the most heinous crimes in the country, such as the 2021 brutal killing of Nicholas Nleya and his wife Margaret by their son Lisani, and the recent Mangwe gruesome murder of two villagers whose bodies were dumped in a community borehole. However, these gruesome acts are not peculiar to Plumtree, and do not overshadow the achievements and contributions of its people.
The Matiwaza family from Bulilima district is a remarkable example of patriotism and courage, as they sent seven sons to join the liberation war against the Smith regime.
They are Brigadier-General (Rtd) Ben Matiwaza, Situlo, Roy, Austin, Casper, Jackson and Ran, who all took up arms to fight for the freedom of their country.
Plumtree is also the birthplace of many other notable figures, who have excelled in various fields and sectors.
Some of them are the late James Mangwana Tshuma, who was a trained guerrilla, a former Highlanders chairman, and a respected figure in Plumtree. MacLean Bhala, who was the founding vice chancellor of Lupane State University and an accomplished academic.
The late Solomon Skuza, who was a great musician and a popular entertainer, known for his hit songs such as Banolila and Love and Scandals.
Mkhululi Ncube, who is an award-winning Star FM radio presenter, who hosts the popular show Ezomgido, which features local music and artistes.
Nqobile Malinga, who is a ZBC Ndebele newscaster and an artiste, who performs under the name Nqobie. The late Paul Nkala, former deputy news editor of the Chronicle newspaper and a veteran journalist.
Plumtree also has its share of socialites, such as Fiona Bhakajuju Tshuma, who is based in South Africa and loves football. She is a loyal fan of Highlanders, Orlando Pirates and Arsenal.
It won’t do justice if the article on Plumtree does not mention the iconic Ndolwane Super Sounds.