Durban and Bulawayo Explore Joint Heritage to Boost Tourism
eThekwini Municipality (governing Durban) and Zimbabwe’s City of Bulawayo are leveraging their shared cultural heritage to revitalize tourism and strengthen economic ties in arts, culture, and business sectors.
The Durban-Bulawayo Collaboration
Over a decade after signing their Twinning Charter in 2011, Durban and Bulawayo are deepening their partnership. During this year’s Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), Bulawayo invited eThekwini Municipality to explore further collaboration.
Thulani Nzama, head of eThekwini’s Business Support, Tourism, and Markets Unit, emphasized the cultural similarities: “The majority in Bulawayo speak Ndebele, closely related to isiZulu. Even surnames and traditions align—this is a natural partnership.”
Historical Ties Between the Cities
Nzama highlighted their intertwined history, noting that KwaBulawayo’s founders migrated from KwaZulu during the Mfecane period. “This expansion shaped our shared identity,” he said, pointing to heritage sites like the Battle of Isandlwana and Mzilikazi’s grave as tourism catalysts.
The cities plan to create joint travel packages, allowing tourists to split visits between Durban and Bulawayo, maximizing cultural immersion.
Bulawayo’s Twin-City Network
Beyond Durban, Bulawayo also partners with South Africa’s Polokwane Municipality. Kholisani Moyo, Bulawayo’s Economic Development Officer, shared successes: “We linked Bulawayo Polytechnic with Venda University, resulting in joint research conferences. Next year’s event will be held in South Africa.”
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