Chirumhanzu District


Chirumhanzu District is a Second-order Administrative Sub-division of Midlands between Mvuma and Masvingo.
Its center is about 46 km south of Mvuma but the administrative centre has moved to Mvuma a small mining town just off the Harare-Beitbridge Highway near Gweru Turn-off.

Geography

The district is 496 square kilometers in area. In 2002 census there were 70,441 people, thus 16,319 households and given a growth rate of 1.1% per annum, the current population is estimated
at +/- 80,000.
Chirumanzu communal lands occupy the southern part of Chirumanzu district between longitude 29˚50́E and 30˚45Έ and between latitudes 19˚30́S and 20˚20́S.

Weather

The mean annual rainfall is 650mm while the mean temperature ranges from 12-28˚C.
Climate change
means that weather and
climate information
should now be
packaged timely and with greater relevance to specific areas, to help small-scale farmers plan
better.
For Chirumanzu District, click
external link for an updated current and weekly weather forecast.

Background

Chirumhanzi District derives its name from the legendary Chirumhanzu chieftain. Chirumhanzu was a descriptive name for a particular chief. The correct spelling should be Chiri-muhanzu meaning "that which is in the garment". The original Chief Chirimuhanzu had a celebrated garment made of dassie or rock-rabbit skins.
He had special a pouch he kept under the garment skirts which many still think was a talisman or a stolen treasure. Local people, following their custom, did not dare to mention the chief's traditional name, and just said "Chirimuhanzu," meaning "that whatever in the garment". No one knew what dangled from underneath his garment, and they referred to that thing as "it in the garment" _ Chiri-mu-hanzu.

Local government

now officially called Takawira Rural District Council is the local authority in this district.
It operates in terms of the Zimbabwe Rural District Councils Act
Takawira RDC covers 2 parliamentary constituencies, Chirumhanzu constituency and Chirumanzu-Zibagwe constituency.

Economy

The chrome rich Great Dyke passes through the districts. There are a number of small mines along the Great Dyke which include and Africa Chrome Fields
The bigger mines are Duration Gold, Athens Mine, Zimasco and Zim Alloys.

Hospitals

There are several mission hospitals in Chirumhanzu District; Mwoyomusande Mission, Driefontein, Holy Cross Mission, Hama Mission, Muonde Mission and St Theresa.

Education

Primary schools

Source: Chirumanzu Primary Schools
Source: Chirumanzu Secondary Schools