How about a place that embodies the true spirit of Harare? That place is Mbare. Originally known as Harari, Mbare was established in 1907. It was the first township and is now a high-density area. Much of Mbare was constructed after 1950.
Mbare Musika is the largest farm produce market in Zimbabwe. Farmers travel from all over to sell their crops here. Some come from as far as Mutare Masvingo and Kariba.
Before we delve deeper let’s take a quick historical detour. Before the 1980s the government built the Matapi flats. Fourteen blocks housed bachelors coming to Harare for work. The population has since exploded. What was once home to 3000 is now home to nearly 30000 people.
In 1980 Bob Marley played a concert at Rufaro Stadium for Zimbabwe’s Independence Day. Edgar Tekere personally invited him. But Mbare’s story isn’t all celebration.
In 2001 over 500000 people were displaced from their Mbare homes. The council demolished 145000 homes declaring them illegal. Then in 2005 Operation Murambatsvina devastated Mbare. Police and military forces destroyed significant portions including the Mupedzanhamo Flea Market. President Robert Mugabe called the inhabitants people without totems.
Even in the face of these hardships Mbare thrives. It is a testament to the resilience of its people.
Did you know that Queen Elizabeth II once wanted to visit Mbare Musika? This happened during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in 1991. The government tried to evict squatters before her visit. However the High Court ruled against the eviction. The government then forcibly resettled them on a farm outside Harare.
Mbare is more than just a suburb. It is a bustling hub of activity a place where anything is possible. Some say you could even be persuaded to buy your own nose here. An estimated five million dollars circulates in Mbare daily. This is thanks to its wide-ranging retail business.
Mbare was also a political hotbed during the colonial era. Stodart Hall hosted political gatherings. Today it is a social activity facility. When a person is declared a national hero their body passes through here before burial.
However Mbare has faced challenges with political violence. Development has been stunted. Despite these challenges the community perseveres.
Mbare is a place of contrasts. It is a place of hardship and resilience poverty and wealth. But above all it is a place of community. It is a place where the spirit of Harare truly lives. As we leave Mbare today I hope you carry with you a deeper understanding. I hope you also have a greater appreciation for the people who call this place home.