Council launches '120 iconic Bulawayo residents' campaign

The Bulawayo City Council has launched a campaign to identify the city's 120 influential residents, as part of the city's 120 year anniversary celebrations.

Bulawayo attained town status on June 1, 1894 and had its first Municipal Council of 9 elected members in November 1897. By 1943, due largely to its rapid growth, Bulawayo attained city status under Proclamation 21 of 1943.

Various activities have been held throughout the year as part of the celebrations to commemorate this historical milestone for the City. In March, a historic exhibition, chronicling the city's history and life opened at the National History Museum. It will run until the end of year.

The main celebrations were held on 1 June and were marked with a train ride from Bulawayo to Figtree and a big event at the Large City Hall car park.

"As part of the celebrations, we are inviting members of the public and residents of the City of Kings to assist us in identifying iconic Bulawayo citizens. The aim of this campaign is to ensure that we know and recognise and celebrate the lives of the people who have played an influential role in the development of the City.

"We are encouraging everyone who knows a person who has made a difference in their life and in the lives of others to contact us," said Nesisa Mpofu, the city's Senior Public Relations Officer.

She added: "Once residents have put forward the names of people whom they think have been influential in the past 120 years, they will be asked to vote for their top 120 people."

Mpofu said the 120 influential residents will be complied in a booklet,although no timeframe was given as to when it will be made available to the public.

Those who want to submit their nominations can contact local authority via email callcentre@citybyo.co.zw or on its social media platforms, Facebook (CityOfBulawayo) and Twitter (@CityOfBulawayo).