How was your Christmas Holiday!


We had a good time with family. Things are hard, but we Zimbabweans and people of Mutare are always in great spirit. 

We hope this year 2009 will be much better for us all.


How was your Christmas holiday...what you are plans for 2009?

Comment below:

Share your memories of Mutare Here


Comment below on your memories of your visit to Mutare....

Mourning a Close Friend Killed in Chiadzwa Diamond Craze


I came accross the story below about a guy I know who got beaten up by the soldiers for dealing in diamonds. So sad to see this friend of mine pass away, rest in peace Maxwell:



Mutare businessman fights for life after diamond beating


By John Fenandes

MUTARE – A prominent businessman here is battling for his life after he was seriously beaten-up by soldiers suspecting he was dealing in diamonds.

Maxwell Mabota was caught by a group of soldiers after he had allegedly sneaked into the Chiadzwa diamond fields last week to buy the precious gems.


He has since been detained at a private hospital where his life is said to be in danger.

Sources close to the police said he suffered severe internal injuries which require an urgent special operation.

During the assault the soldiers are alleged to have stolen about US$11 000 and a cell phone from him. They also impounded his vehicle.

Police sources said Mabota went to Chiadzwa after he was allegedly called by soldiers who claimed they wanted to sell him diamonds.

But after successfully transacting with the group of soldiers and while on his way out of the diamond fields, Mabota was waylaid and caught by a different group of soldiers who demanded to know what a “civilian” was doing in the diamond fields.

"From there all hell broke loose as the soldiers took turns to beat him us using all sorts of objects and clenched fists and boots," a police officer who spoke on condition he was not named, said.

“They started beating him up until he fell unconscious,” said another police source. “They took him to Mutare Central Police Station where he was immediately rushed to a private hospital by his wife.”

Mabota’s wife and other close family members declined to comment.

Soldiers guarding the Chiadzwa diamond fields have gained notoriety for being brutal towards individuals they suspect to be dealing with the precious stones.

When they launched an operation to rid the fields of illegal miners and buyers they were accused by human rights groups of using heavy handed tactics.

The rights groups estimate about 106 people were killed by the soldiers during the campaign to clear Chiadzwa of illegal miners and buyers.

Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights said the soldiers were committing “genocide”.

During the campaign several businesspeople that were believed to have been dealing in diamonds were beaten up and taken to the diamond fields to fill up gullies created by illegal miners.


They were forced to use their hands to fill up the gullies.

Hundreds of previously impoverished people have amassed wealth in excess of several hundred thousands United States Dollars during the past two years as a result of selling diamonds.

But the government has stopped all activities on the grounds it was creating “lawlessness” in Chiadzwa and surrounding areas.


What are your thoughts on this? This is unfair, too harsh, no one deserves such punishment, now the guy is gone.....we are mourning....Comment below

Famous People from Mutare

Who is Who in Mutare?

Mutare has produced a lot of brilliant people.

Here are some of the people from Mutare that have showcased our beautiful city on the world map. 

Arthur Mutambara (Big Dhara!)

Prof. Arthur Mutambara is the Managing Director of Africa Technology & Business Institute (ATBI), a professional and advisory services firm operating in 13 African countries. ATBI leverages African business case studies, cutting edge technology, and consultancy best practice to develop and provide business thought leadership. Prof. Mutambara is also a Principal Consultant with MAC Consulting and Professor of Operations Management with the School of Business Leadership, UNISA. From March 2002 to September 2003, Prof. Mutambara was a Standard Bank Director of Payments with responsibilities in 17 African countries. Formerly, Prof. Mutambara was a Research Scientist and Professor of Robotics and Mechatronics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Carnegie Mellon University (CMU),California Institute of Technology (Caltech), FAMU-FSU, and NASA, all in the United States. From January 2000 to March 2002, Prof. Mutambara was also a Management Consultant with McKinsey & Company in the Chicago office. While in Chicago, he was Professor of Business Strategy at the Kellogg Business School. Prof. Mutambara is author ofthree engineering research books and sixteen peer reviewed journal papers. In addition, Prof. Mutambara is a community leader, public intellectual, and activist who is extensively involved in socio-economic issues in both the US and Africa. He attended Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar in 1991 where he obtained a Doctorate of Philosophy in Robotics and Mechatronics (1995), and an MSc in Computer Engineering and Electrical Engineering (1992). Mutambara is currently running for the Zimbabwe Presidential position...definately a big deal huh!

Edgar "Tw0-boy" Tekere (Vanhu Vakuru)

War veteran who helped bring independence to Zimbabwe through armed struggles against the colonialists. This man is a hero! His efforts parallel those of  Martin Luther King in USA.  More on Edgara here.

 

David Mutasa 

World class stone artist. Works include stone scultpures of Prince Charles.

 

 

Genius Chidzikwe

  Brilliant tennis player from Dangamvura, Mutare. Moved to US where he became a household name amongst the tennis circles.

 

Trevor Madondo (RIP)

One of the greatest cricketplayers to come out of Zimbabwe.

Made history by becoming one of the first black cricket players in Zimbabwe.

Unfortunately decimated at a young age by malaria, leaving a void tough to fill.

African University Choir

The Africa University Choir is comprised of singers, instrumentalists and dancers from Africa University, a United Methodist-related institution in Mutare, Zimbabwe, which provides quality education for 1200 students from twenty African countries. The choir tours the world showcasing some of the best vocal talents from Mutare.

 More to come........

Lawrence Mudehwe

Sanhanga

Tenda

Badhella

Dr. Anjikide Obonyo

Dr. Makanza

Esau Mupfumi

 

Do you know anyone from  Mutare who has done the city proud?  Comment Below:

 

Mutare City Center Cottages Accomodation

TRACEY'S Bed & B

reakfast

020- 65972      

ANNE BRUCE Budget Accommodation

 020- 63569

Home Cooked meals

NO self catering facilities

 Single and double rooms

10 Aerodrome Road Mutare

 

           

                       

                      

BORDER HOME Budget Accommodation

020- 63346

3a. Jason Moyo Drive Murambi

Cottages & Camping facilities

Meals if required / Self Catering

                       

THE HOMESTEAD

020- 65870

52. Park Road, Mutare            

Single / Double Rooms some en-suite

Dinner & Breakfast on request

                       

EASTGATE HOTEL       Rooms only

020- 61812       

                       

UTOPIA COUNTRY HOUSE

020- 66056       

13. Robert Mugabe Road, Mutare

Double & Single rooms available some with en- suite facilities

Full restaurant if required

                       

KHANGELA NTABA (Penhalonga) Self Catering Facilities

020- 22376 Double & Single accommodation available

P. O Box 386, Mutare.  Bed & Breakfast

Penhalonga Rd, Turn right into LaRochelle Road & then right again. Well sign posted        

                       

PAGOMO LODGE Bed & Breakfast

020 62003        

Double & Single Accommodation

Just after Christmas Pass along Harare Road (left turn)          

                       

CARAVAN PARK Camping & Caravan

020- 60823 / 64412       

City of Mutare Owned Camping Site.

                       

                       

DRIFTERS Chalets Small Art Gallery

 020- 62964, Camping facilities available

21km along Mutare - Harare Road.     

                       

ODZI AREA                  

MUSANGANO LODGE   020-4-263         

                       

                       

OSBORNE DAM COTTAGES     020-63906        

NATIONAL PARKS                  

                       

                        


Where to Stay in Mutare - Vumba Cottages


FOREST HILLSLUXURY LODGES



Set in the great forest mountains of Vumba (Misty). About 29 Km south east of Mutare(Zimbabwe), bordering the famous Vumba Botanical Gardens Is Forest Hills Lodges. Offering a breathtaking views of the mountains and spectacular views into bordering Mozambique.




020- 61989 / 62911e-mail: forehills@mweb.co.zwP. O Box 456 Mutare28km Peg Vumba Road

Self Catering Cottages Sleeps 4 in eachServiced accomodation. Double Rooms, Single Rooms and standard roomsRestaurant providing all meals. Televisions in all rooms


BRACKENRIDGE RESORT

1st Cottage THE BRACKENRIDGE  (10), dining & living rooms, kitchenfacilities. Conference facilities for 20 people2nd Cottage: CHISINA COTTAGE  (6) 3rd Cottage: CHIVIMBISO COTTAGE (3)

Phone: 020 66355
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TRINAFOR     COTTAGES

020- 64522  P. O Box 201 Mutare8km Laurenceville Rd, turn right end of end of tar and then left after  1km

4 Cottages each sleeps 8 Self Catering  No Television

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SELDOMSEEN

020- 64842   P. O Box 441 MutareNyamheni Road
WITCHWOOD LODGE: Sleeps 8  CRIMSONWING COTTAGE:  6adults & 4TWIN STREAM COTTAGE: 4 adults   SWYNNERTON COTTAGE: 8privategardens and forest walks



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GENAINA
020 - 68177    P. O Box 441 Mutare24km peg Vumba Road

Restaurant & Gallery

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MAVUSA FARM FURAHA 

4km from Leopard Rock Hotel

4 Self Catering Cottages 16 beds

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SAMANGO COTTAGE

04- 860494    16km on main Vumba Road. Opposite Cripps Sign Post

Sleeps 4Self Catering

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CHISIWA SCOUT GARDENS & CAMPING

020 - 67488 

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TORKSEY PRIVATEGUEST HOUSE

04- 704551 / 2 / 5 / 091946106e-mail: torksey@mweb.co.zw26km on main Vumba Road.

Accommodation for  8 people Dinner & breakfast available

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ENVIRONMENT AFRICA LODGE

 020- 67762

Accommodation for 20 people Self Catering

...................................................................................................................................................................
VUMBA BOTANICAL GARDENS COTTAGES

020- 63906

2 Cottages sleeping 4 each Self Catering
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Education in Mutare Zimbabwe







Mutare has a good education system.  Schools are either public or private. Most of the schools are day schools whereas a few are boarding schools or both.

  In the high density surbubs, students typically walk to school, in some instances students walk long distances to school. It is all about determination and understanding the value of education!

 Our education system is similar to the British system.

Education in Zimbabwe

When Zimbabwe gained its independence from colonial rule in April 1980, the majority of her people lacked the opportunities and facilities for quality secondary schooling, most only finishing several years of primary schooling. Over the first 25 years of independence, Zimbabwe's population of over 13 million has witnessed incredible strides in school expansion, teacher training, and resource improvement. As a result, Zimbabwe continues to boast the highest literacy rate in sub-saharan Africa and sends the fourth largest number of students from Africa to the United States.  There remain, however, significant discrepancies between educational opportunities for Zimbabwe's rural majority and for those who live in the main urban centers of Harare, Chitungwiza, Bulawayo Mutare and Gweru. The apartheid legacy has also left its mark on Zimbabwe's education system with formerly-white, private "Group A" schools far superior in terms of resources and trained teachers when compared to their mission and government-sponsored counterparts.  Zimbabwe's education system consists of 7 years of primary and 6 years of secondary schooling before students can enter university in country or abroad. The academic year in Zimbabwe runs from January to December , with three month terms, broken up by one month holidays, with a total of 40 weeks of school per year.  National examinations are written during the third term in November, with "O" level and "A" level subjects also offered in June. Teachers and nurses train for three years at nursing and teacher training colleges after their secondary schooling, with the more qualified having subsequently earning university degrees.  Currently, there are seven public universities as well as four church-related universities in Zimbabwe that are fully internationally accredited.  Zimbabwean culture places a high premium on education.

Primary School: Grades 1-7



Most Zimbabwean children begin Grade 1 during the year in which they turn six, with a smaller number beginning either during their fifth or seventh year.  In urban areas the medium of instruction is purely English, with Shona or Ndebele taught as a subject; in rural schools students begin learning in their mother tongue, but transition to all reading and writing in English by Grade 3. Curriculum is nationalized with prescribed textbooks all in English. The seven years of primary schooling culminate in four nationally-set Grade 7 examinations in Mathematics, English, Shona or Ndebele and Content, which is a combination of sciences and social sciences.  

Secondary School: Forms I-VI

Students entering Form I, usually aged 12-13, compete for places in the private and mission day and boarding schools based on their Grade 7 examination results, as well as school-based interviews and placement tests. Government schools take students by zone and then allot the rest of the places to those with the best qualifications. Secondary School consists of three levels: ZJC (Zimbabwe Junior Certificate) which includes Forms I and II; "O" level which includes Forms III and IV; and "A" level which includes Forms V and VI. The ZJC Core Curriculum (equivalent to Grades 8-9) consists of 8 subjects: English, Shona or Ndebele, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, Bible Knowledge, and a Practical Subject (ie Food and Nutrition, Fashion and Fabrics, Woodwork, Agriculture, Metalwork, Technical Drawing, etc.)  Zimbabwe phased out the ZJC examinations in 2001, but has maintained the same curricular framework for general Form 1 and 2 education and plan to renew this set of examinations at the end of Form 2 education in 2006.  

Based on their Form 1 and 2 reports, students are assigned to courses and tracked classes for their "O" level studies for Forms III and IV (equivalent to Grades 10-11).  In government schools in the high-density urban townships and in the rural areas, students are restricted in their options and usually are only afforded the opportunity to take 8 or 9 subjects.  Elite private schools often allow and encourage students to take up to 12 or 13 subjects for "O" level exams.  Since the early 1990's and until April 2002, GCE "O" level examinations were set and marked in Zimbabwe by the Zimbabwe Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) in conjunction with the University of Cambridge International Examination GCE system.  Marks from highest to lowest are A,B,C,D,E,U with A, B, and C as passing marks.   With the fast-tracked localization of examinations, many independent school students have been writing both local and British IGCSE exams.  In 2002, Zimbabwe issued a directive to try to ban private schools from offering any foreign examinations, the most common of these being the British IGSCE, AS and A level.  With staunch resistance to this government directive, Cambridge pulled out of its collaborative role in Zimbabwe's examination system but does offer its own exams in the country to those schools whose pupils can afford to pay their examination fees in foreign currency.  2002 O and A level exams were thus the first to be issued purely under ZIMSEC administration without University of Cambridge collaboration  However, a group of activist parents lobbied the Zimbabwean government to revoke the ban on foreign exams, and they have continued to be offered without incident since 2002.

Subjects currently on offer for  "O" level examinations include:

Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Physics with Chemistry, Integrated Science, Mathematics;
Liberal Arts: English Literature, Religious Education, Geography, History
Commercial Subjects:    Accounts, Commerce, Economics, Computer Studies
Languages: English, Shona, Ndebele, French, German, Latin
Arts: Art, Music
Practical Subjects: Woodwork, Metalwork, Agriculture, Technical Drawing, Fashion &  Fabrics, Food & Nutrition

To receive a passing ZIMSEC "O" level GCE certificate, a student needs to have passed at least five subjects including English language with a mark of "C" or better.  The English and mathematics "O" level examinations serve as gatekeepers for many students who cannot proceed without them despite their other exam scores. Entrance into "A" level programs is quite competitive, with the majority of "O" level students either returning to small-scale farming, entering the work force or proceeding to a vocational course, a technical school or a nursing or teaching college. With Zimbabwe’s rate of unemployment currently surpassing 70%, many O level graduates face bleak employment prospects.  Only those with the best scores manage to find a high school place in an "A" level program.  Students typically write their "O" level exams when they are 15-17 years old.

At the Advanced "A" level, students choose among science, commercial and art subjects to study for Forms V and VI.  The vast majority of students take three subjects at "A" level, with a few very gifted students at elite schools opting for four subjects.  In addition, many A level students take "English for Communication”, which before 2004 was called “General Paper," a very challenging exam that assesses both English writing skills and knowledge of current events both nationally and worldwide. English for Communication is marked on a 1-9 scale with 1 as the highest mark and a 1-6 as a pass.  Through 2001, "A" level examinations written in Zimbabwe continued to be set and marked at the University of Cambridge in the UK; they have been considerably more challenging than "O" levels, yielding far less favorable pass rates.  Starting June 2002 exams, A levels were localized and run by ZIMSEC. It is common for a capable student to have higher "O" level exam marks than her/his "A" level exam marks.  Admission officers often consider grades of A, B or C on "A" level exams to be grounds for exemption from college and university courses, in the same manner as are scores of 5,4, and 3 on AP exams in the US.  Again, from the few students who have simultaneously written both Cambridge and ZIMSEC A level exams, the Cambridge exam results have been more favorable.

"A" level subjects currently offered in Zimbabwe include:

Arts: English Literature, Geography, Shona/Ndebele Language and Literature, Divinity, History, French, Art, Music, Latin, German
Commercial: Management of Business/Business Studies, Economics, Accounts, Computer Science, Technical Graphics
Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics 

 Mutare has two colleges and one university. There are two teacher-training colleges in Mutare namely Mutare Teachers College and Marymount Teachers College. In Mutare is also the famous Africa University.

High Schools in Mutare

Private Schools:

Hillcrest

Public Schools

Mutare Boys High School

St. Dominics High School

Rushingo High School

Elise Gledhill High School

Dangamvura High School

Sakubva 1 High School

                                              credits:  US Embassy Zimbabwe


History of Mutare, Zimbabwe

Few, if any, of the early gold miners who camped in the Penhalonga Valley so many years ago, could have guessed that their small encampment would lead to a frontier village and to the garden city that is Mutare today. More than 90 years ago, those intrepid men set up camp on Fort Hill. This could be called the first Umtali site, although no permanent settlement was established because of the mining activity in the area.

That site was evacuated in 1891 and a new site selected along the Umtali River. A police camp and Government buildings were erected, a township was declared and 300 stands surveyed.

That settlement, now known as Old Umtali, 10 miles north of the city, retained its importance for five years until March 26, 1896, when they were told that the Beira-Mutare railroad was to be continued through to Harare. People were promised that the line would touch Mutare, but after a survey, it was found that engineering difficulties made a direct line impossible. The town was moved, and compensation was to be given to the land's settlers. The settlers then moved to stands equal in size and relative situation to their existing holdings, and so Mutare was established for the third and last time.

The railway connection reached Mutare in February, 1898 - it remained the terminus until 1899 when the line reached Harare, thus establishing Mutare as the inland port to Zimbabwe.

Mutare was proclaimed a municipality in 1914 and became a city on October 1, 1971. The city has its own thermal power station and plentiful water supplies which come from Lake Alexander and Smallbridge Dam on the Odzani River. It is the administrative and commercial center to Manicaland and the tourist center for the province

                                                             source carbon organization


Living in Mutare, Culture

Live like a king for less

People from Mutare are sometimes referred to as "samanyika" or simply "Samaz".  This is because Mutare is in a region called Manyika (also known as Manicaland).

In Mutare, almost everyone speaks a local language called Shona. You can learn a few common phrases in Shona here.  Also, everyone in Mutare is conversant in English.

Most people in Zimbabwe lead humble lifestyles and in Mutare the cost of living in Mutare  is low compared to other cities of its size. Most of the housing is owned by the city council which leases the houses to Mutare residents. This is typical in the high density areas.

Middle class to high class housing is characterized by a big sizes, properties are erected on vast amounts of land and gated.

In the low density areas, houses are either leased or owned by the residents.

Zimbabwe (Cultures Of The World) (Library)In the high densities, (Sakubva) there is room for improvement on the housing system. However, this does not have any adverse effect on the people of Mutare who exhude the most hospitable spirit you will ever experience in you entire life. 

If you are visiting, there are world class  hotels peppered all over the city. Examples include the plush Mutare Holiday Inn hotel, Leopard Rock Hotel, Christmas Pass Hotel...the list is endless. For budget lodging, the city also offers a wide range of opportunities from clean highly maintained motels to homley cottages.

After a long day of work, the Mutare people typically gather at Beer Halls or pubs / bars for a sip.  Some of the most popular meeting places are Munowenyu (popularily known as Munos) in the heart of Sakubva, Night Shift, Chocolate City, Gullivers Club, Bulldog Pub, Maoresa, Madziro - on the outskirts of the city popular for BBQs.

Mutare brews its own state of the art opaque beer branded Kariba. You have to taste this drink if you go to Mutare! This baby tastes good and you must try it when you visit Mutare. It is unique as it is as thick as yoghurt so you have to shake it before you drink it. The locals simply call it the "Shake Shake". Whislt you are in Mutare, do  not miss the opportunity to taste the world acclaimed Zambezi lager.