BCC moots cultural centre at Inxwala site

The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has announced plans to transform the historically significant Inxwala Grounds, located at the intersection of Masotsha Avenue and Joshua Nkomo Street Extension in Northend suburb, into a vibrant cultural centre. The move is part of the city's broader efforts to enhance heritage tourism and solidify Bulawayo's status as a cultural and historical hub.

In a statement, BCC spokesperson Mrs. Nesisa Mpofu confirmed the project and clarified earlier misconceptions, dismissing rumors that the site was slated for a shopping mall. "The City of Bulawayo has no intention of turning the area into a shopping mall. The proposal is to have a cultural centre developed, and engagements have been made in that direction," she said.

The Inxwala Grounds hold immense spiritual and historical significance for the people of Bulawayo and Zimbabwe at large. The site has remained largely untouched by commercial, residential, or industrial development since 1893, when the Ndebele State fell to colonial forces. Following the destruction of KoBulawayo, King Lobengula fled to the north, eventually settling in Zambia. The grounds have since been preserved as a sacred place, steeped in history and spirituality.

The proposed cultural centre aligns with Bulawayo's 15-year master plan, which will soon be presented for public exhibition, as required by the Regional, Town, and Country Planning Act. The exhibition aims to gather public input on the city's development plans, ensuring that the transformation of the Inxwala Grounds remains in line with community interests.

The late historian Mr. Pathisa Nyathi, a prominent advocate for preserving Zimbabwe's cultural heritage, once described the Inxwala ceremonies as deeply spiritual, with rituals known only to a select few. In his writings, Nyathi detailed the multi-faceted nature of the ceremony, which encompassed spiritual, political, social, economic, and historical elements. Central to the Inxwala ceremony was the regeneration and revival of the Ndebele state, symbolized through the person of King Lobengula, who would partake in the first fruits as a cultural thanksgiving to the ancestors and God for the harvest.

Given its rich heritage, the site's preservation and development into a cultural centre are widely supported, though some cultural groups have called for more inclusive consultations. Mr. Sipho Gama, the chairperson of the Mthwakazi kaMzilikazi Cultural Association (MMCA), welcomed the council's plan but emphasized the need for extensive consultations with key stakeholders, including traditional leaders (izinduna) and cultural groups, before moving forward. "It's a good idea, but we expect the council to consult everyone, such as izinduna and culture groupings, among other key stakeholders. A comprehensive approach will produce something unique," Gama said.

MMCA, an organization dedicated to reviving and preserving the cultural values of the Mthwakazi people, stressed that a well-rounded approach would ensure that the site's transformation respects and celebrates the rich heritage of the Ndebele people.

The Inxwala Grounds have garnered national attention, particularly after President Emmerson Mnangagwa's visit in 2021 as part of the Heritage Corridor initiative in Bulawayo. The visit included stops at several important cultural and historical landmarks, including the Inxwala Grounds, the Hanging Tree, the Joshua Nkomo Statue, St. Mary's Cathedral Minor Basilica, and the Joshua Nkomo Museum. These efforts are part of a broader push to promote Bulawayo as a key cultural and historical tourism destination in Zimbabwe.

In June this year, two significant landmarks in Bulawayo—the Hanging Tree and St. Mary's Cathedral—were officially declared national monuments by the government. The Hanging Tree, a poignant symbol of Zimbabwe's colonial past, stands as a testament to the sacrifices made during the liberation struggle, and its recognition as a national monument is seen as a significant step toward preserving this aspect of Zimbabwean history for future generations.

The National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe (NMMZ) has also expressed interest in developing such sites into cultural hubs that will feature guided tours, exhibitions, and interactive installations. This initiative is seen as a catalyst for both local and international tourism, contributing to the government's vision of positioning Zimbabwe as a premier destination for cultural and historical exploration.

With the transformation of the Inxwala Grounds into a cultural centre, Bulawayo is poised to further establish itself as a hub for heritage tourism, offering both locals and international visitors an opportunity to connect with Zimbabwe's rich cultural and historical legacy.