Gwanda
Gwanda is a town in Zimbabwe.
The town is the provincial capital of Matabeleland South Province, it is one of the 10 administrative provinces in the country. It is located approximately 122 kilometres, by road, southeast of Bulawayo, the nearest large city.
Gwanda also refers to the rural district around the town. Towns and districts surrounding Gwanda include Mbalabala, West Nicholson, Filabusi, Esigodini and Matobo. Gwanda lies along the Bulawayo-Beitbridge railway line.
Background:
Gwanda was founded in 1900. The name Gwanda derives from the Ndebele word Kwanda. Gwanda’s largest and oldest suburb derives its name from that of a nearby hill known as Jahunda.
Population:
13,339 (Census 2012)
Places of Interest:
Attractions:
Popular Activities:
Football is a huge recreational sport and activity for players and supporters in Gwanda. The main stadium is called Phelandaba Stadium. It is home to Njube Sundowns, a Zimbabwe premiere league football team.
Accommodation:
One of the suburbs of the town is called Jahunda, which is also the name of a nearby hill, from which the town derives its name.
Business:
The town is the chief centre for south-western Zimbabwe’s cattle district and also trades in agricultural produce. There are asbestos, chrome and gold mines around Gwanda.
ZB Bank Limited maintains a branch in town. Another commercial bank, Royal Bank Zimbabwe, also had a branch in Gwanda
Health:
The town has a provincial hospital, Gwanda Provincial Hospital, which serves as a referral centre for nearby smaller mission and district hospitals. Services provided include emergency medicine, paediatrics, maternity, eye surgery, minor orthopaedic surgery, general surgery and an expanded immunisation program.
Education:
Gwanda has four primary schools:
- Jahunda Primary school
- St. Christopher’s Primary School
- Mount Cazalet Primary School
- Senondo Primary School.
The two secondary schools are:
- Gwanda High School
- Gwanda Government Secondary School.
There is a nursing school; Gwanda School of Nursing, affiliated with the provincial hospital.
