Chitungwiza, Zimbabwe

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Chitungwiza, Zimbabwe

Region: Chitungwiza is located in the Harare Metropolitan Province

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Geographic Coordinates: -17.993900, 31.048100

Climate: Climate: Subtropical highland climate with mild temperatures throughout the year and a rainy season from November to March. Weather patterns: Generally sunny with occasional thunderstorms during the rainy season. Temperatures range from 10°C to 25°C.

Population: 371244

Language: Shona

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Chitungwiza is a town located in the Harare Province of Zimbabwe, Approximately 30 kilometers southeast of the capital city, Harare. It is one of the largest urban centers in Zimbabwe and has a population of over 350, 000 people. The town was established in the late 1970s as a residential area for workers who were employed in Harare’s industrial areas. The name Chitungwiza means the place where we gather together in Shona, Which is one of Zimbabwe’s main languages.

The town has grown significantly since its inception and now boasts modern amenities such as hospitals, Schools, Shopping centers, And recreational facilities. One notable feature of Chitungwiza is its vibrant arts scene. The town hosts an annual arts festival that attracts artists from all over Zimbabwe and beyond. The festival features music performances, Poetry readings, Theater productions, And art exhibitions. Another interesting aspect of Chitungwiza is its unique architecture. Many houses are built using unconventional materials such as shipping containers or old car parts. These structures are not only affordable but also environmentally friendly.

Despite these positive aspects, Chitungwiza faces several challenges such as high levels of poverty and unemployment. This has led to issues such as crime and drug abuse within the community. In recent years there have been efforts to address these challenges through initiatives such as microfinance programs that provide small loans to entrepreneurs looking to start their own businesses. Additionally, There have been campaigns aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture practices that can help alleviate poverty by providing food security for families living in the area.

Overall Chitungwiza offers visitors a unique glimpse into Zimbabwean culture with its vibrant arts scene and unconventional architecture while also highlighting some of the challenges faced by communities across Africa today.

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1. St Mary’s Anglican Church – a historic church built in the 1930s.
2. Chitungwiza Aquatic Complex – a popular swimming pool complex that also has water slides and other recreational facilities.
3. Zengeza Shopping Centre – a bustling shopping center with various shops and restaurants.
4. Seke Dam – a man-made dam that provides water to the surrounding areas and is also used for fishing and boating activities.
5. Manyame Air Base – an air force base located on the outskirts of Chitungwiza that offers tours to visitors.
6. Harare Botanical Gardens – located about 20 km away from Chitungwiza, this beautiful garden has over 900 species of plants and trees, including some rare species.
7. National Heroes Acre – a national monument dedicated to Zimbabwean heroes who fought for independence from colonial rule; it is located about 30 km away from Chitungwiza but is easily accessible by road or public transport.
8. Chapungu Sculpture Park- A sculpture park featuring stone sculptures made by local artists showcasing Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage

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• Manufacturing
• Textiles
• Furniture
• Construction materials
• Retail
• Shopping centers
• Supermarkets
• Agriculture
• Education
• Schools
• Tertiary institutions
• Health care
• Hospitals
• Clinics
• Pharmacies
• Service industry
• Banking
• Insurance companies
• Restaurants
• Hotels
• Transport
• Taxis
• Buses
• Trains
• Construction

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Noteable History

1. Chitungwiza was established in the 1970s as a residential area for workers employed in Harare, Zimbabwe’s capital city.
2. In 1989, Chitungwiza was declared a municipality and became one of Zimbabwe’s fastest-growing towns.
3. The town has produced several notable people, including musician Oliver Mtukudzi and footballer Peter Ndlovu.
4. In 2008, Chitungwiza was hit by a cholera outbreak that claimed over 4,000 lives across Zimbabwe.
5. The town has also been affected by political violence and unrest in recent years, with reports of police brutality and human rights abuses.
6. Notable landmarks in Chitungwiza include the National Heroes Acre cemetery and the Makoni Shopping Centre.
7. In recent years, the town has seen significant investment in infrastructure development projects aimed at improving living standards for its residents.

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Museums and Things To See

1. Chitungwiza Arts Centre: This center showcases the work of local artists and provides a platform for them to display and sell their art.
2. National Heroes Acre: This monument honors Zimbabwe’s national heroes who fought for independence.
3. Zengeza 4 Shopping Centre: This shopping center is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, offering a range of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.
4. Chaminuka Game Reserve: Located just outside of Chitungwiza, this game reserve offers visitors the opportunity to see African wildlife up close in their natural habitat.
5. Harare Botanical Gardens: Just a short drive from Chitungwiza, these gardens are home to over 900 species of plants and trees from around the world.
6. Domboshava Rocks: These ancient rock formations offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape and are an important cultural site for Zimbabweans.
7. Mbare Market: Located in nearby Harare, this bustling market is a great place to experience local culture while picking up souvenirs or trying traditional foods.
8. National Gallery of Zimbabwe – Harare Branch: Featuring both contemporary and traditional art exhibits by Zimbabwean artists as well as international exhibitions on occasion.
9. Kuimba Shiri Bird Park: Home to over 400 birds including eagles, falcons, vultures, owls, etc. Visitors can watch bird shows or take part in guided tours.
10. Mukuvisi Woodlands: A nature reserve located near Harare which has walking trails where visitors can see various wildlife such as giraffes, zebras, etc.

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Cultural Events

1. Chitungwiza Arts Festival
2. Chitungwiza Carnival
3. Harare International Festival of the Arts (HIFA)
4. Zimbabwe International Book Fair
5. Zimbabwe Fashion Week
6. Mbira Festival
7. Jikinya Dance Festival
8. Harare Jazz Festival

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Cuisine

1. Sadza: A staple food made from maize meal and served with relish such as meat, chicken or vegetables.
2. Nyama Choma: Grilled meat usually served with sadza and relish.
3. Muriwo Unedovi: A traditional vegetable dish made from leafy greens such as collard greens or spinach.
4. Chicken Inn: A fast-food chain that serves fried chicken pieces and chips.
5. Pizza Inn: Another fast-food chain that serves pizza and other Italian dishes.
6. Nando’s: A popular restaurant chain that specializes in flame-grilled peri-peri chicken.
7. KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken): Another fast-food chain that serves fried chicken pieces and chips.
8. Hungry Lion: A fast-food chain that specializes in fried chicken pieces, burgers, and chips.
9. The Bistro Restaurant & Grill House: An upscale restaurant that serves a variety of international cuisines including African dishes like sadza with relish.
10. Café Veldemeers: A coffee shop serving breakfasts, lunches, dinners, pastries, cakes, sandwiches, burgers, etc.

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Parks and Recreation

1. Chitungwiza Aquatic Complex is a public swimming pool that comes equipped with water slides and other recreational facilities.
2. Seke 1 Dam is a well-known fishing and picnic spot situated in Chitungwiza.
3. St Mary’s Park is a public park that features playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas for visitors to enjoy.
4. Zengeza Recreation Park is another public park where visitors can partake in activities such as playing sports or having picnics.
5. Unit L Community Hall Grounds serves as a community space that hosts various events including cultural festivals, music concerts, and sporting activities.
6. Manyame River Trail offers scenic hiking trails along the Manyame River where hikers can take in beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
7. Chikwanha Sports Club is a private club that provides facilities for tennis, squash, cricket, rugby, football among others.
8. Chitungwiza Golf Club offers an 18-hole golf course located in St Mary’s suburb of Chitungwiza for golf enthusiasts to enjoy.

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Let The Journey Begin.

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