Bulawayo marks 120 years

Bulawayo yesterday marked 120 years of existence as a modern city with a call to companies and individuals to help revive the city's industries.

Addressing hundreds of people who attended the main celebrations at the Large City Hall, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs for Bulawayo, Eunice Nomthandazo Moyo, said everyone had a pivotal role to play in the revival of the city.

She said her office was in the process of coming up with a committee that will identify tourist attractions that would boost Bulawayo's economy.

"The people of Bulawayo must maintain the spirit of resilience and work together towards the revival of the economy as we celebrate 120 years of existence," said Moyo.

"It is the duty of us the people of Bulawayo to turn around this city's economy, especially turning it into a tourist attraction through its preserved cultural sites. My office is in the process of coming up with a committee that will identify such sites and recommend to the government how these can be turned into tourist attractions."

Moyo urged the people of Bulawayo to be conscious of their identity and begin to address and solve issues internally.

She commended culturalists and writers such as Pathisa Nyathi for recording the important events of Bulawayo and making people remember their history and culture.

Bulawayo Mayor Clr Martin Moyo said the council was committed to the revival of the city's industries and infrastructure.

"The recently crafted strategic plan for the city provides a distinct roadmap for the next five years of the city's development and I am confident that with the support of our partners, Bulawayo will prosper and surpass its previous reputation and glory.

"Bulawayo is roaring to life. Our future is brighter than the past and we're progressing towards our destiny. Through proper planning, the city is able to constantly rethink its tools, systems and operations so as to be able to seize the windows of opportunities that present themselves," said Clr Moyo.

It is important, Clr Moyo added, for the people of Bulawayo to remain united as the city celebrated 120 years of existence.

"We must remain united in spirit as we celebrate with great pride the legacy of progress, vision and unity, Bulawayo is what it is today because of the principles, values and aspirations of ubuntu and our cultural heritage.

"Integrity, passion and commitment have shaped who we are and what we are. It is these attributions that will shape our future as we take our position as the leaders in not only local governance, but in all economic, social and cultural spheres," said Clr Moyo.

He said Bulawayo had the potential of continuing to be the centre of social and economic transformation, the creation of a fair and inclusive society that provided equal opportunities if people worked together.

The eventful ceremony started at noon, with a procession from the National Railways of Zimbabwe main station to the City Hall.

The march included various companies including Chronicle and Sunday News and Choppies. Chronicle is also turning 120 years of existence this year.

Former mayors, senior citizens of Bulawayo and government officials, residents' associations, traditional leaders, heads of parastatals and government departments and non-governmental organisations as well as schools attended the ceremony.

A spectacular fireworks display was held last night as part of the commemorations.