Thando Siziba
Arts and Entertainment Reporter
The National Art Gallery in Bulawayo is hosting a special exhibition to celebrate Bulawayo Day, commemorating the city’s 131st anniversary.
The exhibition, which runs until June 7, features a collection of visual images that trace the history and evolution of Bulawayo from its early days to the present.
The displayed images, previously preserved by the Essex family, offer a glimpse into the city’s transformation—from its earliest structures through the colonial and post-colonial periods.
Silenkosi Moyo, Regional Manager of the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Bulawayo, emphasized the importance of preserving history to pass on the city’s legacy to future generations.
“History helps us see how much we have progressed as Bulawayo,” Moyo said.
She urged the current generation to document and preserve photographic memories of the city, noting that Bulawayo will continue to evolve.
“We encourage those with old photographs of Bulawayo to share them so we can celebrate our heritage together,” she added.
The exhibition serves as a nostalgic journey, inviting all residents to explore the city’s rich past.
By highlighting Bulawayo’s development over the decades, the showcase aims to foster a deeper appreciation for its cultural and historical significance.
Bulawayo was established around 1840 by King Mzilikazi, the Ndebele monarch, and was originally named Gibixhegu. His son, King Lobengula, who succeeded him in the 1860s, renamed it Bulawayo—meaning “the one to be killed” in Ndebele—reportedly in reference to a civil war over his succession to the throne.
The exhibition is open to the public, offering a unique opportunity to reflect on the city’s storied past.
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