Gweru: The Heartbeat of Zimbabwe

• HelloMhoro
  [M-ho-ro]
• GoodbyeKwaheri
  [Kwa-he-ri]
• YesEhe
  [E-he]
• NoAye
  [A-ye]
• Please/You're welcomeNdapota
  [N-da-po-ta]
• Thank youNdinotenda
  [N-di-no-ten-da]
• Excuse me/SorrySamaita
  [Sa-ma-i-ta]
• How are you?Uri sei?
  [U-ri-sei]
• Fine. And you?Ndiripo. Kana wakakwana?
  [N-di-ri-po. Ka-na wa-ka-kwa-na?]
• Do you speak English?Wakarukwata Mureza here?
  [Wa-ka-ruk-wa-ta Mu-re-za he-re?]
• I don't understandHandina kugara nemi
  [Han-di-na ku-ga-ra ne-mi]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseNdine mavara, ndapota
  [N-di-ne ma-va-ra, n-da-po-ta]
• I don't eat meatHandichadya nyama
  [Han-di-cha-dya nya-ma]
• Cheers!Kugonera!
  [Ku-go-ne-ra]
• I would like to pay, pleaseNdiri kuda ku-bhadhara, ndapota
  [N-di-ri ku-da ku-bha-dha-ra, n-da-po-ta]

• Help!Vhura!
  [Vhu-ra]
• Go away!Tora zvako!
  [To-ra zva-ko]
• Call the Police!Bvisa vanhu vatungamiri!
  [Bvi-sa va-nhu va-tu-nga-miri]
• Call a doctor!Bvisa dokita!
  [Bvi-sa do-ki-ta]
• I'm lostNdiri kudzoka
  [N-di-ri ku-dzo-ka]
• I'm illNdiri kurwara
  [N-di-ri ku-rwa-ra]

• I'd like to buy...Ndine kuda kugadzira...
  [N-di-ne ku-da ku-gad-zi-ra...]
• I'm just lookingNdiri kutsvaga chikafu
  [N-di-ri kut-sva-ga chi-ka-fu]
• How much is it?Zvinoita mari here?
  [Zvi-noi-ta ma-ri he-re?]
• That's too expensiveIyo yakagara yakawanda
  [I-yo ya-ka-ga-ra ya-ka-wan-da]
• Can you lower the price?Munozoramba mari here?
  [Mu-no-zo-ram-ba ma-ri he-re?]

• What time is it?Saa mangwana here?
  [Sa-a mang-wa-na he-re?]
• It's one o'clockSaa yekutanga
  [Sa-a ye-ku-ta-nga]
• Half past (10)Pakati paka... (masa 10)
  [Pa-ka-ti pa-ka... (ma-sa 10)]
• MorningMangwana
  [Mang-wa-na]
• AfternoonMakuseni
  [Ma-ku-se-ni]
• EveningMazvita
  [Ma-zvi-ta]
• YesterdayNezuva rakare
  [Ne-zu-va ra-ka-re]
• TodayNhasi
  [N-ha-si]
• TomorrowMangwana
  [Mang-wa-na]
• 1Pamusoro
  [Pa-mu-so-ro]
• 2Pamuna
  [Pa-mu-na]
• 3Pashanu
  [Pa-sha-nu]
• 4Pachinhi
  [Pa-chi-nhi]
• 5Pachinonono
  [Pa-chi-no-no-no]
• 6Pachigumi
  [Pa-chi-gu-mi]
• 7Pachidhombi
  [Pa-chi-dhom-bi]
• 8Pachisere
  [Pa-chi-se-re]
• 9Pachiriku
  [Pa-chi-ri-ku]
• 10Pachikumi
  [Pa-chi-ku-mi]

• Where's a/the...?Ipapo...?
  [I-pa-po...?]
• What's the address?Adrese yacho ndiani?
  [A-dre-se ya-cho n-di-a-ni?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Munoziva kundipa basa (pamap)?
  [Mu-no-zi-va kun-di-pa ba-sa (pa-map)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Mazuva ekare (bhasi) iyi?
  [Ma-zu-va e-ka-re (bha-si) i-yi?]
• A ticket (to ....)Chitiketi (kuna ....)
  [Chi-ti-ke-ti (ku-na ....)]

Long before the establishment of modern Gweru, the area was inhabited by the Shona people, who left behind a rich legacy of archaeological sites. These early settlers were known for their stone masonry skills, as evident from remnants of stone walls and ancient ruins scattered around the region.

Gweru, originally named Gwelo, was founded in 1894 by Dr. Leander Starr Jameson during the colonial expansion of the British South Africa Company. It served as a military outpost and was strategically situated along the railway line connecting Bulawayo and Harare, facilitating trade and movement.

The construction of the railway in the early 20th century transformed Gweru into a bustling transport hub. This development attracted a diverse population, including European settlers, Indian traders, and African laborers, which contributed to the town's multicultural fabric.

During World War II, Gweru played a significant role as a training ground for Rhodesian Air Force pilots. The Thornhill Air Base, established in 1941, became a critical site for the Allied forces. The base remains operational today and is a testament to Gweru's contribution to global military efforts.

Following Zimbabwe's independence in 1980, Gweru experienced rapid development. The city became an educational center with the establishment of Midlands State University in 2000. Additionally, Gweru's industrial sector expanded, making it a key economic player in the Midlands Province.

Gweru's cultural landscape is a vibrant mix of traditions and modern influences. The city hosts numerous cultural festivals, including the annual Midlands Arts and Cultural Festival, which showcases local music, dance, and crafts. The Nalatale Ruins, located nearby, offer a glimpse into the region's pre-colonial heritage.

Gweru is surrounded by natural beauty, including the Antelope Park, known for its lion conservation efforts and wildlife safaris. The Boterekwa Escarpment offers stunning views and hiking opportunities, while the Gweru River provides a serene environment for picnics and relaxation.

Gweru is centrally located in Zimbabwe and can be accessed via multiple modes of transport. The nearest international airport is Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare, approximately 275 kilometers away. From Harare, you can take a bus, hire a taxi, or rent a car to Gweru. Alternatively, the National Railways of Zimbabwe operates trains that connect Harare to Gweru, offering a scenic and relaxed journey.

Within Gweru, taxis are a common mode of transport and can be hailed on the street or by phone. Local minibuses, known as 'kombis', are an affordable option for short distances, though they can be crowded. For a more flexible option, car rentals are available in Gweru, enabling you to explore the surrounding areas at your leisure. Walking is also a feasible option for exploring the city center.

The official currency in Zimbabwe is the Zimbabwean Dollar (ZWL), though US Dollars (USD) are commonly accepted. Credit and debit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and larger stores, but it is advisable to carry cash for small purchases and in rural areas. ATMs are available but may sometimes be out of service, so having some cash on hand is prudent.

Gweru is generally safe for tourists, but it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in unfamiliar areas. High-crime areas targeting tourists include the townships and certain parts of the city center after dark. Keep your belongings secure and be cautious in crowded places. Always use registered taxis and avoid unmarked vehicles.

In case of emergency, dial 999 for police assistance, 994 for fire services, and 995 for medical emergencies. Gweru Provincial Hospital is the main medical facility in the area. It is advisable to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For less urgent health issues, pharmacies are available throughout the city.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious or traditional sites. Avoid wearing very revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remove your shoes when entering a home or religious site. Public Transport: Do respect personal space and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and maintain eye contact. It is polite to greet elders first. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it may be considered impolite.

To experience Gweru like a local, visit the local markets such as Kudzanayi Market, where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Zimbabwean goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city’s history and culture. Don’t miss visiting Antelope Park, a wildlife reserve offering unique experiences such as lion walks and elephant rides. Another must-see is the Boggie Clock Tower, a historic landmark in the city center.