Makokoba: Home of early nationalism

Gibson Mhaka

ALTHOUGH Makokoba is Bulawayo’s oldest suburb and stands out as an extreme example of how rough life in the ghetto can be, it however, holds a special place in the history of the country’s liberation struggle.

A visit to the suburb presents conditions of visible deterioration of infrastructure such as bad roads, sewage stench and buildings which then give birth to squalor, environmental contamination and violent crime.

Derelict, paint-peeling homes with old wooden doors and concrete slab in front, with no gate or perimeter walls punctuates the crowded small three-roomed houses which were initially built for single blacks by the colonial administration in the early 1900s.

Signs of decay are rearing their ugly heads in Makokoba suburb. In short Makokoba is undergoing urban decline.

It was also once ranked as the dirtiest suburb in Bulawayo by the Environmental Management Agency (EMA).

The suburb was named after the conduct of Mr Fallon, the native commissioner, who reportedly used to walk around the city with the aid of a walking stick.

The name comes from the word ukukhokhoba, which in the local Ndebele language means “bending and walking with a stick”.

While many people choose to associate it with gangsters, robbers and all kinds of crimes, Makokoba is home to historical monuments such as Amakhosi Cultural Centre, MaKhumalo Beer Garden (Big Bhawa), Stanley Hall and Square, an iconic and much revered venue for Zimbabwean nationalists such as the late Vice-Presidents Joshua Nkomo, Joseph Msika, John Nkomo and many other politicians of note.

Legend has it that even the late former President Robert Mugabe once lived in Makokoba with his uncle when he was still a schoolboy.

Stanley Hall and Square were declared as national monuments in 2017 through a statutory instrument issued by the Rural Development, Promotion and Preservation of National Culture and Heritage ministry.

In separate interviews with B-Metro residents said although the suburb was undergoing urban decline, it still had a lot to offer and holds a special place in the history of the country’s liberation struggle.

Gogo Grace Mevana (81) who was born and bred in Makokoba suburb but now stays in Mzilikazi said during her hey days Makokoba was the epicentre of political activism.

“Although signs of decay are rearing their ugly heads in Makokoba, the suburb evokes memories of the country’s protracted liberation struggle.

“Makokoba was the first black African township in the city. The suburb is also home of early nationalism where nationalists like Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo, Zimbabwe People’s Revolutionary Army (ZPRA) commanders such as Cde Jason Ziyaphapha Moyo, Ackim Ndlovu and Dumiso Dabengwa among others used the suburb as a political stringboard from where they mobilised masses to join the liberation struggle.

“The township is also rich in successful histories and that is why you see all new political parties coming to Bulawayo are being launched in Makokoba,” said Gogo Mevana who was a member of Zapu’s youth wing before the country’s independence in 1980.

Philip Chiguri (84) said although the suburb was synonymous with poverty, squalid conditions and a life of gangsterism, it played a major role in the history of the country’s liberation struggle.

“It’s a pity that only a few people know the history of Makokoba. During the colonial era, Makokoba suburb, just like Mbare in Harare was a political hotbed. Makokoba is famous for many historical monuments such as Stanley Square and Stanley Hall and Mbare in Harare has Stodart Hall which is now a social activity facility.

“Just like Stanley Hall, Stodart Hall, where all dead national heroes’ pass through before they are taken to their resting place at the National Heroes Acre was also used for political gatherings,” said Chiguri.
Thandekile Moyo (50) said the township had a history of its own in the road towards the independence of Zimbabwe.

“As Independence Day celebrations are drawing closer, the story of Makokoba as the epicentre of political activism should be told to the youths. The suburb is a revered place in the political struggle in Zimbabwe. When it comes to the war of liberation, Makokoba is significant in many ways.

“The suburb is also a melting pot of cultures as many people from different tribes have lived and still live in the suburb.

“For example, a lot of people, especially the youths didn’t know that MaKhumalo Beer Garden (Big Bhawa), was formerly a clinic before it was turned into a drinking spot. This is a story that should be told to our children who should pass the knowledge to other generations to come,” said Moyo.

The suburb is also well-known for producing great footballers like the Ndlovu brothers, Adam, Peter and Madinda.

It was also home to Roger Mbambo, the co-founder of the famous Ilanga Band and Mackey Tickeys, the greatest community and international actor Amakhosi ever produced.

The late Zimbabwean music legend Dorothy Masuka, grand daddies of Jazz music, the Cool Crooners and Lovemore Majaivana are all also products of this great suburb.