By HRH Princess Eugene major, Princess of Harare
Harare, Zimbabwe (News of The South) – Harare is special because of its pre-colonial history and post-independence history rather than history connected with Colonialism. Colonialism was full of evil deeds and destruction of people’s lives and looting of minerals and enslaving the black people of Zimbabwe. In Harare it caused displacement of the Mbare Clan the Royal family of Harare and numerous problems which continue to make Zimbabweans suffer till today.
I just came across an article which states that Harare is special because of being the site of Anglican and Roman Catholic cathedrals, a Dutch Reformed church, the Queen Victoria Memorial Library and Museum, the National Archives, the University of Zimbabwe (opened 1957), and the Rhodes National Gallery. Harare lies at an elevation of 4,865 feet (1,483 metres) and has a temperate climate. How can all these above-mentioned things connected to Colonialism be the things that make it special? It`s very incorrect to say such things and as Mbari clan members its our duty to address such misinformation, if it goes unchallenged many people will be brainwashed to believe it to be true. As Princess of Harare its my duty to ensure the wrong narrative about the city and the history is corrected.
Harare is special because of the pre colonial history which connects it to present day Zimbabwe, it has very rich fertile soil and is the centre of business and economy and agriculture, farming and has beautiful landscapes and heritage sites. The heritage sites that make it special are not those that have something to do with Colonialism because there was nothing special about Colonialism.
The Epworth Balancing rocks which existed from way back before Colonialism are an iconic attraction which draw local tourists and foreign tourists, The Harare Gardens named after the former King are another important and special feature of the city, then there is the Africa Unity Square which was formerly called Cecil Square after Cecil John Rhodes. The British had got to know that the Africa unity Square was an important and special area for the Mbari Clan due to its spirituality so they broke the laws of that area to suppress its spirituality then named it after one of them Cecil John Rhodes. Its important to note that this act was an effort to erase the heritage of the city and everything connected with the pre colonial history but we are grateful that today as descendants of King Mbari we are able to contest such documentation and efforts to erase our history and our existence as well as the existence of our great Ancestors.
The Anglican and Roman Catholic Cathedrals were equally built on sacred or spiritual areas of the Harare Kingdom, the area opposite the Monomotapa Hotel in Harare CBD is a spiritual area and again the settlers were quick to gather that information and build a church. Harare is special due to its blend of contemporary and traditional elements, rich history, diverse culture, and stunning natural beauty, from exploring historical landmarks like the Mbare musika market, a market that has served Zimbabweans from time immemorial well before colonialism took place. Mbare was named after King Mbari so that alone makes the Mbare area very special. The name Harare itself comes from the nickname of the former King and that information itself is very important and is the most important and special thing about Harare. It from starts from the name then other things follow.
Another important aspect of Harare is the location of the former Kings Kingdom, this was at the Kopje which is the highest point in the city, the original name being Chihoka. The scenery at heroes acre makes the city special, heroes’ acre is situated on the hills of Warren Park and that’s where the countries heroes are buried and Heroes holiday is celebrated annually at Heroes Acre. The national botanic gardens house the unique flora which are native to Zimbabwe. The garden has an area of over 7km and also houses special. The artifacts and curios manufactured in the city make it very special as it showcases the talents of Zimbabweans and there is so much to see and learn. Every single day spent in Harare is a learning day and there is always something special happening in the community. The city itself is like a magnet it draw3s people to visit or stay there to get something out of it, there is something for everyone, this is all connected to the owners of the land. The former King Mbari who was known for being so loving and giving was also nicknamed “Mupakaviri” meaning the one who gives twice, if he gave you something he would always give again. It would be great to see Zimbabwean learning to be loving like the former King. The descendants of King Mbari who currently live in Harare, and other parts of Zimbabwe as well as those spread out across the World are equally loving people. People of Harare are warm and welcoming and are well known for their love, nowadays the city of Harare does not sleep, this doesn’t come as a surprise as the former King Mbari himself did not sleep. Due to economic development and people finding ways to survive people no longer sleep in the CBD. After 7pm when the city council are all home in bed and police have left the streets and there is no patrol the vendors take over the city which becomes a hive of activity until early in the morning and by 4am the city fully wakes up with the usual hustle bustle and traffic jam which kind of dies down after 9am until it build up again from about 4pm and continues into the daily life cycle.
Jacaranda trees (Jacaranda mimosifolia), lining Milton Avenue in Harare, Zimbabwe.
We could never talk about the special features of Harare without talking about the indigenous plants and blooming jacarandas in September and October, they create the most beautiful scenery and are great for featuring in photographs and videos. Jacaranda frees have purple, lilac or mauve flowers. When ever the question of Harare comes into paly the important aspects from the name of the city and former King and the Mbari clan the royal family and the spirituality of the city can never be ignored.
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