The Sunday Mail
Tendai Chara
CHITUNGWIZA, a dormitory town located some 30 kilometres from Harare, is arguably one of the country’s most untapped tourist destinations.
Popularly known as Chi-Town, Chitungwiza is home to some of the country’s relatively unknown yet important historical sites, among them the grave of Chaminuka, a prophet and leading Zimbabwean spirit medium in the 19th century. Chaminuka was also a leading military strategist, musician and poet.
For anyone intending to visit Chitungwiza, the Chaminuka shrine, which is located a stone’s throw away from the town’s industrial area, must be part of the itinerary.
In Chitungwiza, originally known as Dungwiza — territory of long grass — tourists can also visit the grave of Rwizi, another prominent historical figure who was Chaminuka’s aide.
Rwizi’s grave, which is tucked in a cave, is located on the banks of a river that was named after him. Rwizi River, which pours directly into Harava Dam, is less than two kilometres from the bustling Makoni Shopping Centre.
The rocky outcrop on which Rwizi’s grave nestles is like several others within the area, adorned with beautiful San rock paintings and meandering caves. Natural springs — which ooze out clean, fresh water — are common features along river banks. Ruwa, Manyame and Nyatsime rivers flow through Chitungwiza.
Mr Thomas Shambare, an assistant of village head Mhundwa, took time to talk about a swampy area that is also of historical importance.
“We have, on the banks of Harava Dam, a swampy area with quicksand. During the Ndebele/Shona conflicts of the 19th century, the locals, when they were under attack, would flee towards the swampy area. The Ndebele warriors, who were not familiar with the area, would pursue them and when they got to the swampy area, the loose wet sand would yield to pressure and suck in the invading warriors.”
Locals and domesticated animals always avoid passing through the marsh.
Whilst in Chitungwiza, tourists can also be guided into a mysterious maze of underground tunnels. According to historical accounts, locals would run and seek shelter in the tunnels whenever they were under attack during the various struggles they encountered, especially with the Rhodesian forces. The network of tunnels, according to folklore, stretches for many kilometres on end. The entrance to the tunnels is scarred, with stones scattered everywhere.
Historical accounts state that Rhodesians dynamited the entrance when locals sought shelter in the tunnels. The ruins of a shrine that locals say was used by the rainmaker Nyamasanga are also worth visiting.
Apart from visiting the historical sites, one can also take a boat ride in the Harava Dam.
Across the dam is the Mbizi Game Park and the Kufunda Village, a popular agro-tourism facility. Other entertainment spots in Chitungwiza include the Leisure Centre and the Dam View recreational areas, which are located on the banks of Hunyani River.
Visitors can also spend time at the popular Ziko, where they can have drinks and braai.
