Gweru, Zimbabwe

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Gweru, Zimbabwe

Region: Midlands Province

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Geographic Coordinates: -19.461400, 29.802200

Climate: Seasonal.

Population: 141260

Language: Shona

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Gweru is a city situated in the Midlands province of Zimbabwe, About 275 kilometers southwest of Harare. The population of the city is approximately 150, 000 people. Gweru is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, Rich history and cultural diversity. During colonial rule over Zimbabwe, Gweru was established as a military outpost by the British South Africa Company in the late 19th century. Antelope Park is one of the most famous attractions in Gweru which provides an opportunity for visitors to interact with lions and other wildlife species.

Visitors can walk alongside lions, Feed them and even participate in lion walks at this park. Horseback safaris are also available through Antelope Park’s savannah grasslands where giraffes, Zebras and antelopes live. The National Railway Museum is another popular attraction that showcases Zimbabwe’s railway history dating back to colonial times. Visitors can explore various exhibits including steam engines used during World War II as well as vintage locomotives that once operated on Zimbabwe’s railways.

Gweru has several parks such as Nehanda Park which features beautiful gardens with walking trails for visitors to enjoy along with playgrounds for children and picnic areas making it an excellent spot for family outings. For those interested in learning about local culture, There are several museums worth visiting such as Kwekwe Museum which showcases traditional Shona art and crafts along with exhibits on local history dating back to pre-colonial times. Gweru offers a vibrant nightlife scene with numerous bars, Clubs and restaurants offering a variety of entertainment options ranging from live music performances to comedy shows.

Some popular spots include Club Eclipse and Golden Mile Hotel where locals gather to socialize over drinks or dance until dawn. Overall, Gweru provides tourists an authentic African experience with its diverse culture, Rich history and natural beauty making it one of Zimbabwe’s most popular tourist destinations.

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1. Antelope Park
2. Gweru Railway Museum
3. Kudhinda Market
4. Chapungu Sculpture Park
5. Gweru Golf Club
6. Midlands State University
7. Senga Hills
8. Shurugwi Nature Park
9. The Great Zimbabwe Ruins (nearby)

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1. Agriculture: Gweru is renowned for its fertile land and is a significant agricultural hub in Zimbabwe, producing crops such as maize, wheat, soybeans, and cotton.
2. Mining: The city boasts several mines that extract minerals like gold, chrome, iron ore, and nickel.
3. Manufacturing: Gweru has various manufacturing industries that produce goods such as textiles, clothing, furniture, food products (including sugar refining), plastics and packaging materials.
4. Tourism: Gweru has several popular tourist attractions such as the Antelope Park game reserve which offers visitors an opportunity to see wildlife up close.
5. Education: The city has multiple institutions of higher learning including Midlands State University which attracts students from across Zimbabwe and neighboring countries.
6. Healthcare services: There are many hospitals in Gweru providing healthcare services not only for residents but also for people from surrounding areas.
7. Retail businesses: There are numerous retail businesses in the city ranging from small shops to big supermarkets offering a wide range of products to customers.
8. Transportation services: Gweru boasts a well-developed transportation system with buses, taxis, motorcycles among others serving both intra-city commuting as well intercity transport.

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1. The city of Gweru was established in 1894 under the name Gwelo by the British South Africa Company.
2. In 1896, the Ndebele people rebelled against colonial rule during what is referred to as the First Chimurenga or Second Matabele War. Gweru played a significant role in this conflict.
3. Cecil Rhodes, a British businessman and politician who played a key role in colonizing Zimbabwe, visited Gweru multiple times throughout his life.
4. During World War II, Allied forces fighting in North Africa utilized Gweru as an important military base.
5. Joshua Nkomo, founder of the Zimbabwe African People’s Union (ZAPU) and prominent nationalist leader, was born near Gweru in 1917.
6. On April 18th, 1980 Zimbabwe gained independence from British colonial rule and celebrated with large festivities across the country including in Gweru.
7. Recent land reform policies have caused controversy around farmers living near Gweru and other parts of Zimbabwe due to seizures without compensation or due process leading to economic hardship for many citizens.
8. Under Robert Mugabe’s regime there were reports of political violence against opposition party members including beatings and torture by state security agents which occurred across many regions including Midlands province where Gweru is located.

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1. Zimbabwe Military Museum
2. Gweru Railway Museum
3. Antelope Park
4. Midlands State University Great Hall and Clock Tower
5. Thornhill Air Base Memorial
6. Gweru Provincial Hospital Memorial
7. The National Art Gallery of Zimbabwe (Midlands Branch)
8. Kwekwe Nature Reserve
9. Chapungu Sculpture Park and Gardens
10. The Great Dyke of Zimbabwe Geological Monument

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1. Unfortunately, I do not have access to current information about sports teams and their histories in Gweru, Zimbabwe.
2. However, you can try searching online for local sports clubs and teams in Gweru.
3. You can also contact the Zimbabwe Sports and Recreation Commission for more information.

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1. The Gweru Agricultural Show is a yearly event held in August, highlighting the finest of Zimbabwean agriculture.
2. The Zimbabwe International Trade Fair takes place every April and attracts exhibitors from across the globe to showcase their products and services.
3. Every November, the Gweru Music Festival features both local and international artists for a two-day music extravaganza.
4. Celebrating art, culture, and heritage, the Midlands Arts and Cultural Festival occurs annually in July.
5. September’s three-day Gweru Food Festival showcases the best of Zimbabwean cuisine.
6. Promoting reading culture among residents of Gweru, the annual Gweru Book Fair celebrates literature.
7. October’s Midlands Fashion Week is a three-day event featuring local designers and models for a fashion-filled extravaganza.
8. The National Youth Games bring together teams from different provinces throughout Zimbabwe for an annual sporting competition for young people aged 13-20 years old.

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• Sadza: A staple food made from maize meal and served with a variety of relishes such as meat, vegetables or beans.
• Chicken Inn: A popular fast-food chain that serves fried chicken and chips.
• Kudzanai’s Kitchen: A restaurant that offers traditional Zimbabwean cuisine such as sadza, beef stew, and vegetable dishes.
• The Boma Restaurant: An outdoor restaurant that serves African-inspired dishes such as braai (barbecue) meats, game meats like crocodile or kudu, and traditional Zimbabwean side dishes.
• Nando’s: Another fast-food chain that specializes in flame-grilled peri-peri chicken.
• Antelope Park Cafe: A cafe located inside the Antelope Park Game Reserve that offers a range of meals including pizza, burgers and salads.
• Chitando’s Restaurant & Bar: A family-run establishment that serves traditional Zimbabwean cuisine alongside international dishes like pasta and steak.
• Pizza Inn Gweru CBD Branch – Offers a variety of pizzas with different toppings to choose from at affordable prices.

Note: This information was gathered from various sources online for reference only.

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1. Gweru Recreation Park
2. Antelope Park
3. Ascot Racecourse
4. Midlands Golf Club
5. Gweru Sports Club
6. Lake Kyle Recreational Park
7. Mkoba Nature Reserve
8. Cecil Kop Nature Reserve
9. Chapungu Sculpture Park
10. Kudhinda Wildlife Sanctuary

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