Mabvuku

{{Short description|Suburb east of Harare, Zimbabwe}} {{EngvarB|date=August 2014}} {{Use dmy dates|date=August 2014}} {{coord|17|49|44|S|31|11|55|E|display=title}} {{Infobox settlement  | official_name = Mabvuku | other_name = | native_name = | nickname = Bvukaz/Bvakaz | settlement_type = High Density Suburb | motto =  | image_skyline = Kanumhu Shopping Center.jpg | imagesize = 350px | image_caption =" Scene at Kamunhu, one of the main shopping centres during the 20th century. In the 21st century a lot has changed".- Kudakwashe L Kaseke and Snr Rodney Mubvakure | image_flag = | flag_size = | image_seal = | image_shield = | shield_size = | image_blank_emblem = | blank_emblem_type = | blank_emblem_size = | image_map = | mapsize = | map_caption = | image_map1 = | mapsize1 = | map_caption1 = | image_dot_map = | dot_mapsize = | dot_map_caption = | dot_x = |dot_y = | pushpin_map = Zimbabwe | pushpin_label_position = Epworth | pushpin_map_caption = | pushpin_mapsize =190  | subdivision_type = Town | subdivision_name = Mabvuku | subdivision_type1 = District | subdivision_name1 = | subdivision_type2 = | subdivision_name2 = Harare | subdivision_type3 = | subdivision_name3 = | subdivision_type4 = | subdivision_name4 =  | government_footnotes = | government_type = | leader_title = | leader_name = | leader_title1 = | leader_name1 = | leader_title2 = | leader_name2 = | leader_title3 = | leader_name3 = | leader_title4 = | leader_name4 = | established_title = | established_date = 1900 | established_title2 = | established_date2 = | established_title3 = | established_date3 =  | area_magnitude = | unit_pref = | area_footnotes = | area_total_km2 = | area_land_km2 = | area_water_km2 = | area_total_sq_mi = | area_land_sq_mi = | area_water_sq_mi = | area_water_percent = | area_urban_km2 = | area_urban_sq_mi = | area_metro_km2 = | area_metro_sq_mi = | area_blank1_title = | area_blank1_km2 = | area_blank1_sq_mi =  | population_as_of =2018 | population_footnotes = | population_note = | population_total = over 30000(estimated ) | population_density_km2 = | population_density_sq_mi = | population_metro = | population_density_metro_km2 = | population_density_metro_sq_mi = | population_urban = | population_density_urban_km2 = | population_density_urban_sq_mi = | population_blank1_title = | population_blank1 = | population_density_blank1_km2 = | population_density_blank1_sq_mi =  | timezone = +2:00 | utc_offset = | timezone_DST = | utc_offset_DST = | coordinates = {{coord|17|53|24|S|31|8|51|E|region:ZW|display=inline}} | elevation_footnotes = | elevation_m = 1473 | elevation_ft =  | postal_code_type = | postal_code = | area_code = | blank_name = | blank_info = | blank1_name = | blank1_info = | website = | footnotes = }} '''Mabvuku''' is a suburb east of Harare, the capital city of Zimbabwe.

==History==

Old Mabvuku traces its origins back to the 1950s, with its oldest school, Donnybrook Primary School, established in 1954. New Mabvuku, on the other hand, was developed beginning in 1972 by the Salisbury City Council. Before Zimbabwe’s colonization, Mabvuku was home to the VaShawasha people of the Soko Mbire clan, who settled in the area approximately 300 years ago. This area remains their native homeland, and their heritage is preserved in the names of streets and roads in Old Mabvuku, such as Tingini, Godzonga, Marembo, Chauruka, Nyamare, Nyahuni, Chaitezvi, Nzwere, and Shambare. These names, along with the praise poetry of the Shona people compiled by Chatima, provide evidence of their historical presence.

Mabvuku and its neighbouring suburb, Tafara, have a significant population of people of Malawian, Mozambican, and Zambian origin, many of whom migrated to the area seeking employment prior to Zimbabwe’s independence. They predominantly worked as domestic workers in nearby suburbs like Highlands, Greendale, and Msasa or in the industrial area of Msasa and the nearby Portland cement factory (now Khaya formerly Lafarge). As the population grew over the years, some residents began working in industrial areas farther afield, such as Willowvale and Workington in western Harare. During the 1970s and 1980s, it was common to see cultural displays such as Nyau (Chigure) dances or Muganda celebrations, reflecting the influence of the foreign-origin communities. Additionally, burial societies, initially rooted in ethnic traditions, have since gained widespread acceptance among the broader Zimbabwean population.<ref name="Mabvuku">{{cite news |last1= Pindula |title=Mabvuku |url=https://www.pindula.co.zw/Mabvuku/ |access-date=17 January 2025 |work= Pindula}}</ref>

==Economy==

The local economy is primarily informal, with residents engaging in small-scale trading, artisanal activities, and various micro-enterprises to sustain their livelihoods.

In recent years, Mabvuku-Tafara has faced significant infrastructural challenges that have impacted economic activities. Notably, the area has suffered from inadequate water supply and power cuts. To address this, initiatives such as the drilling of 26 boreholes by local Member of Parliament Pedzisayi "Scott" Sakupwanya in March 2024 have been implemented to provide residents with access to clean water.<ref name="Water supply">{{cite news |last1= Chirimujiri|first1 = Sharmaine |title=Relief for water-starved Mabvuku residents

|url=https://dailynews.co.zw/relief-for-water-starved-mabvuku-residents |access-date=17 January 2025 |work= New Zimbabwe |date= 19 March 2024}}</ref>

Additionally, the suburb's road infrastructure has deteriorated over time, affecting transportation and local commerce. In April 2023, Sakupwanya invested US$2.5 million in a road rehabilitation project aimed at improving the area's road network, thereby facilitating better movement for both residents and businesses.<ref name="Road rehabilitation">{{cite news |last1= Spread the love |title=Scott Sakupwanya Finally Sees Potholes In Mabvuku, Tafara, Invests US$2.5m In Road Rehabilitation |url=https://www.zimeye.net/2023/04/29/scott-sakupwanya-finally-sees-potholes-in-mabvuku-tafara-invests-us2-5m-in-road-rehabilitation|access-date=17 January 2025 |work= ZimEye |date= 29 April 2023}}</ref>

In addition, the suburb is home to Khayah Cement Limited's plant, which resumed normal cement production in November 2023 after restoring its mill.<ref name="Khaya resumes normal operation">{{cite news |last1= Marufu |first1 = Livingstone |title=Khayah Cement resumes normal cement production |url=https://businesstimes.co.zw/khayah-cement-resumes-normal-cement-production|access-date=17 January 2025 |work= Business Times |date= 11 November 2023}}</ref> However, by December 2024, the company filed for corporate rescue due to operational difficulties, including economic sanctions and increased competition from imported cement.<ref name="Khaya in trouble">{{cite news |last1= Spread the love |title=Khayah Cement Limited Files For Corporate Rescue Amid Economic Challenges |url=https://www.zimeye.net/2024/12/24/khayah-cement-limited-files-for-corporate-rescue-amid-economic-challenges |access-date=17 January 2025 |work= ZimEye |date= 24 December 2024}}</ref> Additionally, PPC Ltd. operates a cement manufacturing plant in Msasa, Harare, contributing to the local cement supply.<ref name="PPC Plant">{{cite news |last1= The Herald |title=President commissions $82 million cement plant |url=https://www.chronicle.co.zw/president-commissions-82-million-cement-plant/amp/|access-date=17 January 2025 |work= Chronicle |date= 17 March 2017}}</ref>

The retail sector in Mabvuku includes major supermarkets such as Choppies and OK, providing residents with essential goods and services. Pharmacies and service stations are also present, catering to the healthcare and fuel needs of the community. For instance, OK at Kamunhu Shopping Centre houses a Mukuru Orange Booth, offering financial services to residents.

==Challenges== Mabvuku-Tafara has been seriously affected by the prevailing economic challenges, which has compromised the Harare City Council's ability to provide services. The residents, like other Zimbabweans, have suffered through water and power cuts with many residents resorting to alternative sources.<ref>{{cite news |author= Sachiti Roselyne|url=https://www.chronicle.co.zw/solar-energy-why-residents-are-jumping-off-the-national-electricity-grid/amp|title= Solar energy: Why residents are jumping off the national electricity grid | access-date=17 January 2025 |work=The Chronicle |date=20 November 2020}}</ref> <ref>{{cite web|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/200801310733.html|title=Zimbabwe: Power, Water Cuts Ruining Women in Business - Mutasa|publisher=Allafrica.com|access-date=25 February 2015}}</ref> In 2005, Operation Murambatsvina destroyed slums in Mabvuku and other areas of Harare such as Budiriro and Mbare as well as nearby Chitungwiza.<ref name="Slum">{{cite news |author=|title=New slum threat in Harare |url=https://www.theindependent.co.zw/2013/09/20/new-slum-threat-harare/ |access-date=23 April 2021 |work=The Zimbabwe Independent |date=20 September 2013}}</ref> By the mid-2010s, the number of people squatting in informal settlements was growing again.<ref name="Squatted">{{cite news |last1=Matabvu |first1=Debra |last2=Agere |first2=Harmony |title=Squatters: Housing shortages or lawlessness? |url=https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/squatters-housing-shortages-or-lawlessness |access-date=7 March 2021 |work=The Sunday Mail |date=11 January 2015}}</ref> A new settlement outside Mabvuku was called Bob which later formalised and became Eastview now under the auspices of the nearby Goromonzi Rural District Council.<ref name="Slum" />

In 2021, the Clean City program brought clean affordable drinking water to Mabvuku.<ref name="CleanCity">{{cite news |author= |title=Clean City brings affordable, safe water to Mabvuku, Epworth and Chitungwiza |url=https://www.chronicle.co.zw/clean-city-brings-affordable-safe-water-to-mabvuku-epworth-and-chitungwiza/ |access-date=23 April 2021 |work=The Chronicle |date=15 April 2021}}</ref> Many residents had gone without running water for 30 years.<ref name="thirty">{{cite news |author= |title='Residents clock 30 years without tap water' |url=https://www.newsday.co.zw/2021/04/residents-clock-30-years-without-tap-water/ |access-date=23 April 2021 |work=News Day Zimbabwe |date=31 March 2021}}</ref> By 2023, residents were voicing concerns over an inconsistent water supply, as citywide water rationing further exacerbated their struggles.<ref name="Water challenges">{{cite news |author= |title=Glen View, Mabvuku residents present water crisis to Parliament |url=https://www.suburban.co.zw/glen-view-mabvuku-residents-present-water-crisis-to-parliament/ |access-date=17 January 2025 |work=Suburban |date=7 February 2024}}</ref><ref name="Water rationing">{{cite news |author= |title=Harare announces extremely tight water rationing schedule as Prince Edward station doubles down on production |url=https://www.newzimbabwe.com/harare-announces-extremely-tight-water-rationing-schedule-as-prince-edward-station-doubles-down-on-production/ |access-date=17 January 2025 |work= New Zimbabwe |date=4 December 2023}}</ref>

==Climate== <div style="width:75%"> {{Weather box |location = Mabvuku |single line = Yes |metric first = Yes |Jan high F = 78 |Feb high F = 77 |Mar high F = 77 |Apr high F = 77 |May high F = 73 |Jun high F = 69 |Jul high F = 69 |Aug high F =73 |Sep high F = 78 |Oct high F = 82 |Nov high F =82 |Dec high F = 78 |year high F = 75 |Jan low F = 59 |Feb low F = 59 |Mar low F = 57 |Apr low F = 53 |May low F = 46 |Jun low F = 42 |Jul low F = 41 |Aug low F = 44 |Sep low F = 50 |Oct low F = 55 |Nov low F = 59 |Dec low F = 59 |year low F = 51 |Jan precipitation inch = 8.4 |Feb precipitation inch =6.3 |Mar precipitation inch = 3.6 |Apr precipitation inch = 1.5 |May precipitation inch = 0.3 |Jun precipitation inch = 0.1 |Jul precipitation inch = 0.1 |Aug precipitation inch = 0.1 |Sep precipitation inch = 0.3 |Oct precipitation inch = 1.4 |Nov precipitation inch = 3.9 |Dec precipitation inch = 7 |year precipitation inch = 32.9 |source 1 = Weatherbase<ref name=Weatherbase> {{cite web |url =http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather.php3?s=677750&refer=wikipedia |title =Weatherbase: Historical Weather for Mabvuku, Zimbabwe |publisher=Weatherbase |year=2011 }} Retrieved on 24 November 2011. </ref> |date=November 2011 }} </div>

==Notable people from the suburb==

*Wilfred Mugeyi *William Mugeyi *Marshall Munetsi

==See also== * Epworth

==References== {{Reflist}}

Category:Suburbs of Harare Category:Squatting in Zimbabwe