Pelandaba surbub

Compiled By @van_vodloza
The name means “The matter is concluded”, a reference to the successful conclusion of the struggle
for security by The African Elites. The struggle by both the working class and wealthy Africans to get
access to better accommodation and living conditions had taken over 20 years.

The neighborhood was built in the 1950s as an “elite African community”. By the Bulawayo city
council using funds from Beer hall profits .Its founding was the result of the boom in the Zimbabwe economy of the early 1950s, when the
number of jobs as well as wages increased, a development from which Zimbabwe’s black residents
profited as well.

This led to a demand for better housing in better neighborhoods, and “both the government and employers began to pay more serious attention to the housing problems of urban blacks.
Bulawayo, while opposing black landownership, “grudgingly introduced an African Home Ownership Scheme on a thirty-year leasehold basis.
The suburb proved successful enough in attracting the African elite including such notables as the
newly wed Joshua and Joanna Nkomo, the Lesabes , Zephaniah Sihwa, Stephen Nkomo ,G Sobantu, a prolifific entrepreneur and activist and Joseph Msika who also reportedly turned out for Zimbabwe Saints.

These names would later become significant Names in the Nationalist pursuit of equal rights for the
Black population. And most of these families are still amongst the wealthiest in the city.

Pelandaba became “the trendiest black community in Bulawayo” wealthier African competed with
each other in building the plushiest and most expensively furnished homes. By 1957 its houses
rivaled those in Posh European surbubs of the city. One couple even built a 10 roomed house which
was previously unheard of in African townships

It was in this time in history that the elite blacks separated themselves from the rest of the African
population. Homes became more privatised,mostly with the removal of special events like weddings
from homes and their transfer to recreational centres and Halls . The concept of White weddings and
invitation cards became quite more common.

Pelandaba was home to the Upmarket shebeens in the city which severed illicit “European ” alcohol
which Africans Where legally prohibited from drinking. These shebeens where also the scene of multiracial drinking between white liberals and black elites.

Even the Taverns where more stylish and classy than most drinking halls in African townships. The
early residents refused to have beerhalls in the surbub as they deemed them a source of mischief
and undesirable elements.As a result Ikhwezi Club was built in the 1950s to cater for “smartly” dressed, rich Africans. All thosenwho failed to dress “respectably” were not admitted. This exclusiveness became a source of conflict with the poorer Africans who made the bulk of the support base for Nationalist like
JoshuaNkomo,putting the Nationalist cause in jeopardy. They even accused the patrons of being Half
white.

Nationalists even felt the Richer Residents where comfortable in their bourgeoisie lifestyle and
where also unwilling to give resources to support the struggle.

Schools in the area include Sizane Secondary School, Induba Primary ,Adventist primary.
It’s notable landmarks include Pelandaba clinic, and The 15000 seater White city stadium which is a
multi purpose facility hosting major Athletics events and Premier soccer leagueMatches. Historically it has hosted several Key political rallies since the colonial times.

Original script for Ingqungquthela breakfast show ,kasi to kasi segment

Sauerstown

The history

The suburb is named after After Dr. Hans Sauer, one of the two Matabeleland members elected to
the first S. Rhodesian Legislative Council in 1899. He owned the farm on which great parts of the
suburb is situated. He was both a surgeon and a Lawyer by trade and a close friend of Cecil John
Rhodes.. The suburb was a peri urban area until itwas encoporated into the Bulawayo Municipality in
1944.
This is one of the most historically significant in the citys History as it is where the Capital of the King
Lobhengula (Bulawayo) was located. The modern day State house sits on the exact place King
Lobhengulas Royal enclosure once Stood!
When lobhengula ascended to power he established two capitals firstly koBulawayo near Hope
fountain mission which was burnt down , the causes of the fire are still not clear but some historians
say The King odered it to be and he moved the Capital to Emahlabathini (the second Bulawayo ),
which is the site of the modern day State House
In establishing a new capital He was keeping with tribal custom; the royal towns of Matabele kings
were never intended to be permanent and whenever a King died, the capital moved and the old
royal town was burned. The great King Mzilikazi had Four Capitals.
During King Lobhengulas reign early White Traders and concession hunters stayed in what is morden
day Sauerstown and Nothend as the waited an Audience with the King. It was here where the Rudd
Concession was signed.
King Lobhengula Fled the advancing settler forces leaving the city in flames in 1893 . Dr Jameson’s
Column hoisted the flag on a wild syringa tree in the contemporary suburb of Sauerstown, marking
the occupation of Lobengula’s capital and marking the birth of the Bulawayo of today.
Interesting landmarks in the suburb include the The indaba tree where Lobengula held court at
between 1870 and 1880 ,
, called isagogwane in Ndebele It was killed in the 1960’s by a strangler fig, which stands in its place
today
Schools in the area include Hugh Beadle
One of the oldest companies in Bulawayo Matebele Steam Laundry was established in a tent
In 1897 in the suburb by Joseph Sarsons and is still operational up to this day.

Script from kasi to kasi segment for @skyzmetrofm ingqungquthela breakfast